Alzheimer's Archives | What is Epigenetics?

Epigenetic Insights for Targeting Alzheimer’s Disease

June 19, 2024 Natalie Crowley

The recent FDA approval of Donanemab has sparked celebration within the Alzheimer’s research community, offering significant hope by slowing cognitive decline in some patients. However, it is clear to scientists that Donanemab is not a cure, and the quest to truly halt or reverse Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains ongoing. Donanemab works by targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, a hallmark protein buildup in AD’s pathology. While clearing these plaques marks a critical step, it may not address the root cause of [more…]

Epigenetic Changes in Immune Cells Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease

April 2, 2024 Natalie Crowley

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that impacts millions globally. While the exact cause of the disease is still unknown, a recent study by Northwestern University (NU) has shed light on the potential role of epigenetic modifications in the immune system of Alzheimer’s patients. The study found that Alzheimer’s patients experience epigenetic changes in their blood’s immune system, which could be influenced by environmental factors, past infections, and lifestyle behaviors. These findings could pave the way for the development [more…]

Epigenetic study uncovers non-coding Alzheimer’s-related genetic variants

October 17, 2023 Natalie Crowley

In the ongoing pursuit of understanding Alzheimer’s disease (AD), scientists are taking a closer look at the genetic landscape. Their investigation has revealed thousands of genetic variants linked to AD, many of which were once overlooked as non-coding regions of the genome. Recent advancements in the field of epigenetics have illuminated the critical role these non-coding variants play in gene regulation. However, how these gene changes affect Alzheimer’s risk and brain cells is still unclear. Researchers from the University of [more…]

Histone Modifications Linked to Alzheimer's and Aging

Protective Epigenetic Marks Go Awry in Alzheimer’s Disease

April 10, 2018 Tim Barry

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease that occurs due to an accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. It affects over 5 million Americans of all ages, particularly those over 65 years of age and is one of the leading causes of death in the US. Currently, there are no sure ways to cure, prevent or even slow down progression of the disease. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and [more…]

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