Genetics May Help Prevent Decline in Cognitive Function

While some individuals suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s as they get older, others tend to remain sharp well past the age of 80. German researchers have found the reason for this: an individual’s genes.

The researchers’ conclusion is based on findings from a study that involved studying the brain images of 94 participants who were 80 years old and above. The images were made up of the amount of beta-amyloid protein plaques and tau protein tangles discovered in the participants’ brains.

Researchers found that individuals who had lower scores on memory tests were those who were aging normally. These participants had more tangles compared to younger persons.

The participants who had the highest scores on their memory tests had very little build-up of plaques and tangles. They were referred to as “super agers.” However, the participants who had already been diagnosed with thinking skills that were mildly impaired had more build-up of plaques and tangles. The study was reported online in “JAMA Network Open.”

According to the United Stated National Institute on Aging, an abnormal build-up of both plaques and tau is deemed to be a warning sign for impaired thinking.

Merle Hoenig, the lead researcher of the study, explained that super aging was having an especially high cognitive functionality as an individual turns 80 or 90 years. Hoenig, who is a postdoctoral fellow at the University Hospital Cologne in Germany, stated that super agers may be benefitting from a protective dynamic.

She observed that researchers noted that super agers did not accumulate proteins that were associated with aging such as amyloid and tau pathology while individuals who aged normally presented tau pathology.

Hoenig also added that the study’s findings highlight the need to look into the brain molecular signature of the individuals who showed resistance to the build-up of proteins that were linked to aging. This, she said, could possibly help develop new treatments for illnesses associated with aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s Association vice president of scientific and medical operations Heather Snyder stated that evidence exists that suggest that genetics play a part in the risk of an individual developing Alzheimer’s, adding that genetics may also be what protects an individual from the disease.

Currently, researchers are looking for ways to use the findings provided above to help delay or prevent the build-up of plaques and tangles, while also working on discovering new ways to better the delivery of nutrients across and within brain cells.

Many companies are tapping into available information such as this to improve the way in which health care is provided. For instance, RYAH Group Inc. is taking the lead in helping to bring to light the need to transition to remote health models of treating patients.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to RYAH Group Inc. are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/RYAH

About BioMedWire

BioMedWire (BMW) is a bio-med news and content distribution company that provides (1) access to a network of wire services via InvestorWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible, (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets (3), enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact, (4) social media distribution via the Investor Brand Network (IBN) to nearly 2 million followers, (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions, and (6) a total news coverage solution with BMW Prime. As a multifaceted organization with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. BMW is where news, content and information converge.

To receive SMS text alerts from BioMedWire, text “STOCKS” to 77948 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.biomedwire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: http://BMW.fm/Disclaimer

BioMedWire (BMW)
San Francisco, California
www.biomedwire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com

BioMedWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

Archives

Select A Month

Official NewsWire Relationships

BIO Informa DGE Dynamic Global Events DTC Healthcare Conference Kiasco Reasearch Nexus Conferences Octane

BioMedWire Currently Accepts

Bitcoin

Bitcoin

Bitcoin Cash

Bitcoin Cash

Ethereum

Ethereum

Litecoin

Litecoin

USD Coin

USD Coin

Contact us: 415.949.5050