Posted on 01/02/2026 4:46:47 PM PST by ConservativeMind
A possible new treatment for impaired brain blood flow and related dementias is on the horizon. Research by scientists provides novel insights into the mechanisms that regulate brain blood flow and highlights a potential therapeutic strategy to correct vascular dysfunction.
Their preclinical findings suggest that adding a missing phospholipid back into a person's circulatory system could restore normal brain blood flow and reduce symptoms of dementia.
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias affect 50 million people around the world and numbers are rising, placing immense burdens on families and health care systems.
Research in the Harraz lab focused on the control of cerebral blood flow and vascular signaling and the role of Piezo1, a protein that lives on the membranes of cells lining the blood vessels, in controlling brain blood flow. Named for the Greek word for "pressure," Piezo1 is a sensor of frictional forces as the blood moves through the brain vasculature. Previous studies showed that Piezo1 activity is altered in carriers of Piezo1 gene variations.
Findings from this new study, "PIP₂ Corrects an Endothelial Piezo1 Channelopathy" provide novel insights into how Piezo1 affects cerebral blood flow and shows that diseases such as Alzheimer's disease are associated with increased vascular Piezo1 activity. Harraz's team investigated a phospholipid in brain cell membranes called PIP₂.
This phospholipid is vital for cell signaling and ion channel regulation—a complex process where cells control the opening and closing of protein pores. The researchers found that PIP₂ is a natural inhibitor of Piezo1; when PIP₂ levels drop, Piezo1 becomes overactive, which disturbs the brain's blood flow.
They tested adding PIP₂ back into the system, which suppressed Piezo1 and restored normal blood flow. The study suggests that boosting PIP₂ could become a new treatment strategy to restore normal blood flow and enhance brain function.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
“They tested adding PIP₂ back into the system, which suppressed Piezo1 and restored normal blood flow. The study suggests that boosting PIP₂ could become a new treatment strategy to restore normal blood flow and enhance brain function.”
From Brave AI, on ways to increase PIP₂:
PIP₂ (phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate) is not directly available in foods or supplements, but its synthesis in brain cell membranes relies on key dietary precursors.
The body produces PIP₂ from phosphatidylinositol (PI), which in turn is synthesized from inositol, fatty acids (especially omega-3s), choline, and uridine. While no food contains PIP₂ directly, certain nutrients support its production:
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): Found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), supports overall brain phospholipid synthesis, including PI and PIP₂.
Uridine: Present as uridine monophosphate (UMP) in breast milk and some foods (e.g. tomatoes, brewer’s yeast), it contributes to membrane phospholipid formation.
Choline: Abundant in eggs, liver, and soy, it's essential for phosphatidylcholine and indirectly supports PI/PIP₂ pathways.
Inositol: Found in fruits, beans, and grains, it is a core component of PI and thus critical for PIP₂ synthesis.
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As far as the phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol goes, sunflower lecithin appears to be the best way to get these, with 19% of it containing phosphatidylinositol, alone.
So, sunflower lecithin, sardines or salmon, and tomatoes or brewers yeast, taken together, would provide quite a boost for PIP₂ production.
It is always on the horizon, but the horizon is receding in the distance. The only creatures who have something to cheer about are mice. They have all the cures.
Is there a test for low vascular blood flow?
You can take the things I dug up and see if it helps you.
It's harmless to try.
Or, you can just wait another ten years until a long-term human stud shows it helped.
On second thought, wait these things out. You might be harmed by salmon.
Yes, but it would require an MRI or CT scan, normally.
I have a relative with identified vascular dementia, and she is now in a nursing home.
I wish there was a PIP₂ supplement, but I guess I'll try to eat more salmon.
You know, you could look at the tweaks in several other threads I’ve posted.
There’s little to lose.
A daily dose of red wine will dilate the cerebral arteries and will help alleviate the symptoms, according to research I did in medical journals decades ago.
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