In a big leap forward for the search for Alzheimer’s, scientists have found that aerobic exercise can seriously reduce the markers of the disease, which gives us a little hope to prevent it. This news comes from researchers from University of Bristol In the United Kingdom and the Federal University of São Paulo In Brazil, which deepens this brain disorder. With millions dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, this breakthrough could lead to new ways of fighting disease.
What is this study about?
The emphasis was put on the hippocampus (this part of the brain which manages memory and learning). Researchers have verified how aerobic exercise has an impact on Alzheimer’s markers such as amyloid plates, tau tangles and iron accumulation in cells called oligodendrocytes. They tested it on rodents and found quite interesting results.
Led by experts from Washington UniversityThe study underlined how the immune cells of the brain play a big role in the development of Alzheimer’s. They even pointed fingers on certain immune cells such as possible troublemakers, opening doors to new treatment ideas.
Immerse yourself in what they found: why the aerobic exercises
The results were indicative: these tau tangles fell by around 63%, while amyloid plates fell by around 76% after the rodents obtained their cardio. Iron accumulation also dropped approximately 58%. These improvements have been associated with healthier brain cells and more protective oligodendrocytes.
In addition, the exercise of rodents showed less brain inflammation, between 55% and 68% depending on specific biomarkers. Communication between brain cells has also improved, helping to maintain balanced things as the brain ages. The researchers also discovered ten groups of different microglies – three completely new – with a more common in Alzheimer’s patients. These microglies often drag in a pre-inflammatory state, suggesting that they could launch too much inflammation.
Dr Augusto Coppi of The University of Bristol Shared: “Alzheimer’s is a difficult neurodegenerative disorder without healing again, affecting millions in the world. Although we know that physical activity helps slow the cognitive decline, we have had trouble understanding how it really protects the brain until now. »»
What does this mean for public health?
Bringing people to do regular aerobic training could be crucial to slow down or stop the progress of Alzheimer’s. Public health should really put pressure on exercise programs suitable for the elderly to use these advantages. Human trials are as follows to see if these positive effects observed in rodents are true for people.
This research also opens up potential drug avenues targeting iron metabolism and cell death as treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding why previous anti-inflammatory trials have not worked can reside in the pre-inflammatory states of these microglies.
Katherine PRATER DE Washington University Noted: “We do not yet know if microglia causes these problems or if they react to something else that is not going.”
New therapeutic angles to explore
This discovery points to new treatment strategies focused on specific microglia cells. Ideas include refining their pre-inflammatory condition to avoid excessive inflammation and stimulate protective microglia for better waste elimination and neurons protection. The targeting of special microglies could alleviate harmful activities in the brains affected by Alzheimer’s.
A more in -depth understanding of what these microglies do can lead to more precise and possibly effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
Teamwork through borders leading to progress
With the support of groups as Capes,, CNPQAnd Fapesp In Brazil, this research shows how global collaboration is the key when reading health challenges such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Published under “tau, amyloid, iron, oligodendrocytes and inflammat in the hippocampal formation of elderly rats subject to an aerobic exercise program” Brain researchThis study marks a significant step in front (DOI: 10.1016 / J.Brainres.2024.149419).
While we learn more through global efforts, the application of results like these in daily routines is promising – not just for those who live with Alzheimer now but also for future generations targeting healthy aging.
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