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What is the earliest spark that ignites the memory-robbing march of Alzheimer's disease? Researchers may have found an answer: lithium deficiency in the brain. The work shows that lithium occurs naturally in the brain, shields it from neurodegeneration, and maintains the normal function of all major brain cell types. The findings are based on experiments in mice and on analyses of human brain tissue and blood samples from individuals in various stages of cognitive health. The scientists found lithium loss in the human brain is one of the earliest changes leading to Alzheimer's, while in mice, similar lithium depletion accelerated...

Scientists are working to understand how aging itself can be modified to prevent age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. A new study has discovered that calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (CaAKG), a safe, naturally occurring metabolite commonly studied for healthy aging, can restore key memory-related brain functions that have been disrupted in Alzheimer's disease. The main aim of the study was to evaluate whether CaAKG could also enhance synaptic plasticity in the Alzheimer's brain, restore memory-related signaling, protect neurons from early degenerative changes, and contribute to healthier cognitive aging. The study shows that CaAKG helps brain cells communicate better in Alzheimer's disease models. It...