Summary: Texas A&M researchers have developed a nasal spray treatment that shows promise in delaying Alzheimer’s disease progression. The therapy, using stem cell-derived vesicles, reduced brain inflammation and protein buildup in early-stage disease models, potentially offering a way to extend cognitive function for years after diagnosis.
Journal: Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, November 5, 2024, DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12519 | Reading time: 4 minutes
A New Approach to Brain Treatment
In the search for effective Alzheimer’s treatments, researchers at Texas A&M University College of Medicine have discovered a promising new approach using a nasal spray delivery system. The study, published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, offers hope for the nearly 7 million Americans affected by this most common form of dementia.
“This approach is effective because the cargo carried by these extracellular vesicles could reduce the neuropathological changes in the brain,” explains Ashok K. Shetty, University Distinguished Professor at Texas A&M.
Targeting the Brain’s Immune System
The treatment works by focusing on microglia, the brain’s immune cells that play a complex role in Alzheimer’s disease. While these cells initially help by clearing harmful protein buildup, their prolonged activation becomes problematic over time.
“Prolonged activation causes them to lose their normal function and begin to harm neurons, leading to progressive neuron loss,” notes Shetty. The new treatment appears to modify microglia behavior without compromising their beneficial functions.
How the Treatment Works
The nasal spray contains special particles called extracellular vesicles, derived from neural stem cells. When administered to animal models in early stages of Alzheimer’s, these vesicles were absorbed by microglia throughout the brain, reducing inflammation while maintaining the cells’ ability to clear harmful protein buildup.
The research shows the treatment decreased both inflammation and the accumulation of plaques and proteins associated with neuron loss in Alzheimer’s disease.
Looking to the Future
The implications could be significant for Alzheimer’s patients. The research team suggests successful development of this treatment could delay severe cognitive decline by 10 to 15 years after initial diagnosis.
“Our journey to advance the application of this therapy for Alzheimer’s disease is just beginning,” Shetty says. The team has filed a patent for this approach, which could potentially be used for other neurological disorders as well.
Glossary
• Microglia: Immune cells in the brain that help clear harmful substances
• Extracellular vesicles: Tiny particles released by cells that can affect other cells
• Neural stem cells: Special cells that can develop into various brain cell types
• Neuroinflammation: Inflammatory response in the brain and nervous system
Reader Comprehension Quiz
1. How does the treatment affect microglia in the brain?
Answer: It changes their gene expression and reduces harmful inflammation while maintaining their ability to clear proteins
2. How is the treatment administered?
Answer: Through a nasal spray
3. How many Americans are currently affected by Alzheimer’s disease?
Answer: Nearly 7 million
4. By how many years might this treatment potentially delay severe cognitive decline?
Answer: 10 to 15 years after initial diagnosis
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