Low doses of carbon monoxide, similar to levels experienced by smokers, can protect against neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease models. Researchers discovered that carbon monoxide reduced the accumulation of the Parkinson’s-associated protein alpha-synuclein and activated pathways that limit oxidative stress.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression varies based on the presence of tau and amyloid-beta (Aβ) proteins in the brain. Patients with high levels of both tau and Aβ experience rapid memory decline, while those with high Aβ but low tau show a slower progression. The research emphasizes that tau levels are crucial for diagnosing and managing AD effectively. This insight could lead to more personalized treatment strategies as biomarker technology advances.

People with a history of upper gastrointestinal (GI) damage have a 76% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The research highlights how conditions like GERD, peptic ulcers, and NSAID use may increase the risk of this neurodegenerative disorder.

A recent study has found a positive correlation between nighttime light pollution and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the United States. Researchers discovered that higher levels of light at night are associated with increased AD rates, particularly among individuals under the age of 65.

Blocking the kynurenine pathway, a regulator of brain metabolism, can restore cognitive function in lab mice with Alzheimer’s disease. The pathway is overactivated in Alzheimer’s, disrupting glucose metabolism and starving neurons of energy. By inhibiting this pathway, researchers improved memory and brain plasticity in mice, offering hope for new treatments in humans. IDO1 inhibitors, currently in cancer trials, could be repurposed for Alzheimer’s treatment.

Research has revealed that individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are significantly less likely to exhibit the molecular signs of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a protective element in MS that could inspire new Alzheimer's treatments. The study found that MS patients had 50% less amyloid plaque accumulation, a key indicator of Alzheimer’s, compared to non-MS individuals. This connection between MS and reduced Alzheimer's risk highlights potential immune-related mechanisms that may be leveraged for therapeutic strategies.

A new study identifies two proteins that interact with a mutant FUS variant linked to familial ALS, offering a potential therapeutic target. Researchers found that inhibiting these proteins in motor neurons derived from human stem cells reduced ALS-related changes. The findings suggest that similar mechanisms may be involved in sporadic ALS, which affects most patients. Further research will explore these proteins' roles in other ALS-related genes and sporadic cases.

Researchers have discovered a mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that enhances its ability to infect the central nervous system, potentially explaining neurological symptoms and “long COVID.” The mutation was found to allow the virus to better infiltrate the brain, with implications for future treatments targeting COVID-19’s effects on the brain. The findings highlight the need for specific therapies to address these neurological complications.

Mutations in the gene ZNRF3 can lead to abnormal brain sizes—either too large or too small—causing various neurological symptoms. This gene, known for its role in cancer, is crucial in regulating brain cell production. The study found that specific mutations in the gene disrupt the balance of brain cell development, with potential implications for cancer risk in patients with abnormally large brains.

Music-based movement therapy, the Ronnie Gardiner Method, shows promise in aiding rehabilitation for stroke and other brain disorders, according to a review from researchers. This rhythmic and engaging approach, which involves coordinated movements and sounds, has been well-received by participants for its enjoyable and social nature. While the method’s potential benefits for stroke recovery are documented, further studies are needed to validate its effectiveness in other conditions. The Ronnie Gardiner Method may become a valuable addition to traditional neurological rehabilitation.

Researchers have identified a natural molecule, phosphatidic acid, that reduces the sensitivity of touch-sensing ion channels, providing a promising new avenue for managing chronic pain. By increasing levels of this molecule, cells become less sensitive to touch, which was confirmed through tests on sensory neurons and in mice. This discovery could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for conditions involving inflammatory pain.

A study finds that COVID-19 proteins left in the brain may lower cortisol levels, leading to heightened inflammation and an exaggerated response to stressors. This discovery could explain the persistent neurological symptoms seen in Long COVID patients. Researchers suggest that managing stressors and investigating viral reservoirs might help alleviate these symptoms.

New research in mice reveals that aging slows the brain's ability to clear out harmful waste, contributing to neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Scientists have found that restoring function in the brain's waste-clearing system, known as the glymphatic system, can reverse these age-related effects. Using a clinically approved drug, researchers increased the efficiency of waste removal, offering a potential treatment strategy for age-related brain diseases.

New research reveals that glial cells, specifically oligodendrocytes, produce amyloid beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease, challenging the long-held belief that neurons are the sole contributors. This discovery opens new possibilities for therapies aimed at preventing plaque formation in the brain. Targeting both neurons and glial cells could slow the disease’s progression by inhibiting amyloid beta production before plaques form.

Advanced MRI scans, particularly diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), have shown promise in predicting which concussion patients are at risk for long-term symptoms. While standard CT scans often fail to detect brain abnormalities in concussion cases, DTI can identify subtle changes in the brain’s white matter that are linked to persistent symptoms. This method could significantly improve the accuracy of prognoses, helping to identify patients who may need further follow-up and treatment. Researchers also found that specific blood biomarkers could help determine which patients would benefit most from a DTI scan.

A new study suggests that the risk of developing dementia in Parkinson’s disease patients may be lower or occur later than previously reported. Researchers analyzed data from two large studies, finding a 9% risk of dementia within 10 years for newly diagnosed patients and a 27% risk for those diagnosed for an average of six years. Factors increasing dementia risk included older age at diagnosis, being male, and lower education levels.

Children of parents with alcohol use disorders inherit early aging symptoms, including high cholesterol, heart problems, arthritis, and early-onset dementia. This effect is worse if both parents have alcohol issues, especially in male offspring, due to mitochondrial dysfunction inherited from parents. Researchers suggest that improving mitochondrial health through exercise and vitamin intake could help delay these effects.

A new study finds that 40Hz light and sound therapy helps maintain myelin, a crucial brain structure, in Alzheimer's patients. This therapy, which protects neurons and supports brain function, could offer new treatment avenues for neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers discovered that this stimulation enhances neural connections and reduces harmful inflammation. The therapy also shows potential for treating other conditions involving myelin loss, such as multiple sclerosis.

Researchers uncovered a promising approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease by using dopamine to enhance brain enzyme activity that reduces harmful plaques. Conducted on mice, the study shows that dopamine increases neprilysin production, which breaks down beta-amyloid plaques linked to Alzheimer's.