Study links brain shrinkage to Alzheimer’s progression

A groundbreaking study by Australian scientists has uncovered a crucial connection between brain changes and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments for the millions affected by this devastating condition.

The research, led by CSIRO,  analysed data from 475 individuals with varying levels of cognitive impairment. The study focused on three key factors: amyloid plaque levels in the brain, shrinkage of the basal forebrain, and cognitive decline.

Dr Ying Xia, the lead author from CSIRO’s Australian e-Health Research Centre, emphasised the importance of early diagnosis in managing Alzheimer’s symptoms. The study revealed that atrophy of the basal forebrain, a critical region for learning and memory, could indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear.

“Our research suggests an important link between brain structure, in this case shrinkage, and the way the brain functions during Alzheimer’s disease progression,” Dr Xia said.

This finding has significant implications for drug development. Current medications targeting amyloid plaques show promise, but their effectiveness in addressing memory and attention decline remains uncertain.

“Currently, drugs available to manage cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s are only effective in up to 30 per cent of cases,” said Dr Xia. “We think we can improve on that figure, by increasing our understanding of the role played by the system targeted by the current drug treatment regimes.”

The new research suggests that focusing on the cholinergic system, which includes the basal forebrain, could enhance the cognitive effects of these drugs.

The study, published in Neurology, was a collaboration between CSIRO, the University of Queensland, Florey Institute, and the University of Melbourne. It utilised data from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study, collected over more than a decade.

As Alzheimer’s remains the most common form of dementia and the second leading cause of death in Australia, this research offers hope for improved treatments and earlier intervention strategies.

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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