When a neuron gets blocked, the delicate harmony that allows the brain to operate seamlessly deteriorates. One result: diseases like Alzheimer’s. Understanding such blockages and how “traffic” should flow normally in healthy brain cells could offer hope to people with neurodegenerative diseases.

Toward that end, a research team led by University at Buffalo biologist Shermali Gunawardena, PhD, has shown that the protein presenilin plays an important role in controlling neuronal traffic on microtubule highways, a novel function that previously was unknown.

U.S. HHS released the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease: 2013 Update. The 2013 Update includes a new timeline for achieving its first goal – prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2025 – and a review of progress over the past year.

The first-ever National Alzheimer’s Plan, initially released in May 2012, was mandated by the bipartisan National Alzheimer’s Project Act (P.L. 111-375), which Congress passed unanimously in 2010. The 2013 Update includes a new timeline for achieving its first goal – prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2025 – and a review of progress over…

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Eyes on the prize: Federal Alzheimer’s research effort aims to facilitate interventions It is fitting that this issue of Alzheimer’s & Dementia honors the life and work of our friend and colleague, Dr. Leon Thal. Leon’s research career, in important and perhaps some surprising ways.

It is inspired by the legacy of our friend and colleague Leon Thal, whose innovative and collaborative approach to scientific research serves as a guidepost as we move toward the discovery of new and effective ways to prevent AD or slow its progression. This article describes the progress to date and potentially promising areas of…

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Recent Advances in AD Neurobiology

By Michael Rafii, M.D., Ph.D, ADCS Associate Medical Director Among the major uncertainties surrounding Alzheimer’s disease is whether and how the amyloid plaques found in the brains of patients with the disorder actually damage neurons. There are many theories; below are two of the leading ideas.   Calcium Overload Calcium ions play an essential role…

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Study Finds Improved Cognitive Health among Older Americans Rates of cognitive impairment among older Americans are on the decline, according to a new study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) comparing the cognitive health of older people in 1993 and 2002.

Rates of cognitive impairment among older Americans are on the decline, according to a new study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) comparing the cognitive health of older people in 1993 and 2002. Higher levels of education were associated with better cognitive health.