Alzheimer research explores gene activation and brain anatomy

New research is expanding the understanding of Alzheimer's disease by investigating biological processes beyond the traditional focus on amyloid and tau proteins. A Mayo Clinic study identified changes in gene regulation within the brain tissue of affected individuals. This epigenetic research examines how chemical changes regulate gene instructions without altering DNA sequences, potentially influencing how cells respond to aging and environmental conditions.

In a separate preliminary study, neuroscientists are investigating the concept of ‘selective vulnerability’—why specific brain regions are damaged while others remain intact. Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Columbia University are exploring whether mechanical stresses and brain anatomy play a role. Their study suggests that the accumulation of tau protein in the entorhinal cortex may correlate with disease progression when that region is located near the tentorial notch, raising questions about whether biomechanical wear and head shape influence dementia risk.