Differences in the distribution of certain proteins and markers in the brain may explain why some people first experience vision changes instead of memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease, finds a new study by UCL researchers.

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease that, rather than causing problems with memory, leads to difficulties with reading, navigating, and recognizing objects. Studies suggest that one in 10 patients with Alzheimer’s disease has a form which is visual, rather than memory-led.

As well as presenting with unusual symptoms, individuals with PCA typically develop symptoms younger than most people with Alzheimer’s disease, with onset usually in their 50s and 60s.

Using a natural experiment that avoids common bias concerns, this study finds that the live-attenuated shingles vaccine reduced the probability of a new dementia diagnosis within a follow-up period of 7 years by approximately one-fifth.

Organoids have revolutionized science and medicine, providing platforms for disease modeling, drug testing, and understanding developmental processes. While not exact replicas of human organs, they offer significant insights.

The Siegert group at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) presents a new organoid model that reveals details of the developing nervous system’s response to viral infections, such as Rubella. This model could influence pharmaceutical testing, particularly benefiting drug safety for pregnant women.

Microglia are special cells in the human brain. Like a diligent ranger overseeing a forest and dealing with infestations and wildfires, microglia scan the brain environment for germs and initiate an anti-inflammatory response to remove them. They also monitor the quantity of neurons (nerve cells) and their connections to ensure optimal brain function in adulthood.