Scientists just found the brain’s hidden defense against Alzheimer’s

Key Highlights

• The study also shows that cellular stress can produce a dangerous tau fragment linked to Alzheimer’s.
• Strengthening the brain’s natural defenses could point the way to new treatments.
• Share: Facebook Pinterest LinkedIN Email FULL STORY Scientists have identified a natural brain defense that helps certain neurons clear toxic tau, a protein tied to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Credit: Shutterstock Scientists at UCLA Health and UC San Francisco have discovered why certain brain cells are better equipped than others to withstand the buildup of tau, a toxic protein closely linked to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
• The findings point to biological differences that may help explain why some neurons survive longer, and they could open the door to new treatment strategies.