Very recent developments in Alzheimer’s research have unveiled exciting new insights into the disease’s mechanisms, offering fresh hope for potential treatments.

Let’s take a look at these findings, explore their implications for our understanding of Alzheimer’s and future therapeutic approaches.

A Metabolic Perspective

Traditionally viewed primarily as a cognitive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease is slowly being recognized as a complex metabolic condition affecting the entire brain.

So, it’s not an isolated brain issue, it’s the result of a multi-layered metabolic health breakdown.

At the heart of this understanding is the intricate relationship between neurons and astrocytes in the brain.

Neurons, the primary information processors in our brains, rely heavily on astrocytes for energy support. In a healthy brain, astrocytes convert glucose into lactate, which they then supply to neurons as a crucial energy source.

However, in Alzheimer’s disease, this vital energy supply chain breaks down. Astrocytes struggle to produce sufficient lactate, leaving neurons energy-deprived.

This energy deficit impairs neuronal function, contributing to the cognitive decline characteristic of Alzheimer’s.

The Key Player

A pivotal breakthrough here centers on an enzyme called indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, or IDO1.

This enzyme acts as a critical regulator in brain energy metabolism, and its role in Alzheimer’s has only recently come to light.

In Alzheimer’s disease, IDO1 becomes hyperactive, setting off a chain of events that disrupts normal brain energy production:

1. Overactive IDO1 converts tryptophan into kynurenine (KYN) at an accelerated rate.
2. Elevated KYN levels interfere with astrocytes’ ability to produce lactate.
3. The resulting lactate shortage leaves neurons starved for energy.
4. Energy-deprived neurons struggle to function properly, leading to cognitive impairment.

This discovery is particularly significant because it provides a missing link between two well-known hallmarks of Alzheimer’s: amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

Both of these pathological features can increase IDO1 activity, creating a feedback loop that exacerbates the brain’s energy crisis.

The Hypothesis

The research team behind this discovery didn’t stop at theoretical models.

They conducted a series of experiments to validate their hypothesis:

1. Analysis of brain tissue from Alzheimer’s patients revealed elevated KYN levels, supporting the theory of IDO1 overactivity.
2. Tests in three distinct animal models of Alzheimer’s demonstrated that inhibiting IDO1 helped restore normal brain energy metabolism.
3. Perhaps most promisingly, experiments on human brain cells from Alzheimer’s patients showed that IDO1 inhibition could normalize metabolic function.

These multi-faceted results lend strong credence to the IDO1 hypothesis and its relevance to human Alzheimer’s disease.

New Alzheimer’s Treatment

The IDO1 discovery opens up a new approach to potential Alzheimer’s treatments.

Researchers are now exploring the possibility of repurposing existing drugs that target IDO1 to address Alzheimer’s.

One such candidate is a cancer drug currently known as PF68. The proposed mechanism of action is straightforward but promising:

1. Administer the IDO1 inhibitor to Alzheimer’s patients.
2. Reduce KYN levels in the brain by suppressing IDO1 activity.
3. Allow astrocytes to resume normal lactate production.
4. Restore proper energy supply to neurons, potentially alleviating Alzheimer’s symptoms.

While this approach is still in its early stages and requires further research to establish safety and efficacy in humans, it looks like a significant step forward in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Moreover, the implications of this research extend beyond Alzheimer’s.

The IDO1 pathway may play a role in other neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, suggesting that treatments targeting this pathway could have broader applications in brain health.

In short: A pill could soon treat or even cure Alzheimer’s. That’s the hope.

Steps You Can Take Today

Of course, we’re not there yet.

While we wait for the testing and the development of these ´new treatments, there are other evidence-based strategies you can employ to support your brain health and potentially reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s in the firts place.

And these will sound familiar to almost anyone:

1. Regular Exercise: Physical activity isn’t just good for your body—it’s crucial for your brain. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly. Exercise increases levels of neuroprotective molecules like BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), supporting overall brain health.
2. Quality Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for brain health. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. (Well, tell that to my children). During sleep, your brain clears out metabolic debris that accumulates during waking hours, a process that’s critical for long-term brain health.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Incorporate long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) into your diet. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, and herring are excellent sources, ALA from seeds like Hemp, Chia, and flax are a good way to go as well. Fatty acids play a vital role in brain cell structure and function.
4. Social Engagement and Mental Stimulation: Maintain strong social connections and engage in mentally stimulating activities. While not directly related to brain metabolism, these factors have been associated with better cognitive health and overall well-being.
5. Eating “well”: As with everything in health, a reasonably good diet is the key to avoiding many health issues down the line. Less processed food, not too much sugar and fat, vegetables (esp. leafy greens), and more are repeatedly and overwhelmingly shown to reduce risk factors and increase longevity.

The Bottom Line

We live in a world now where we can start to picture some of the most prevalent and dangerous chronic diseases being treated or even cured with advancements in medicine.

Alzheimer’s is just one big topic on that list. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and other major diseases are being researched every day.

We will find treatments for many of these issues in the coming years and decades.