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A protein could stop and even reverse the aging process of the brain. This scientific discovery offers hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s dementia. © HalfPoint Images/IMAGO
A special protein could be the solution for treating dementia. Scientists at UCSF have produced impressive results.
Dementia is a Illnesswhich not only severely affects the lives of patients but also those of their family members. As the number of people suffering from this neurodegenerative disease continues to rise, scientists around the world are striving to develop therapeutic options to treat or even cure diseases such as Alzheimer’s. A research team at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) may have made a breakthrough in the fight against dementia: they have identified a protein that could potentially stop and even reverse the aging process of the brain.
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Breakthrough in dementia research: Scientists discover a rejuvenating protein
In her article published in the journal Nature published Study The researchers injected mice with the protein PF4, a type of blood cell. This protein promotes the regeneration of brain function by calming the immune system and suppressing inflammation that causes the brain and body to age. PF4 is naturally present in the blood and its concentration increases with physical activity. The scientists administered the protein to the mice through blood transfusions. The test animals were two years old, which corresponds to a human age of about 70 years. In the mice, the protein showed significant changes.
After administration of the protein, the cognitive abilities of the mice were equivalent to those of a 30- or 40-year-old human. The mice showed improved performance in memory and learning tasks. Another study published in the journal Nature Aging published study examined the effects of PF4 on memory. The research team, led by Dr. Dena Dubal, professor of neurology at UCSF, was able to show that when PF4 levels are high, more new connections are formed in the brain. These connections are perceived by people as memories. So the protein also has a strong influence on the part of the brain responsible for forming memories. The improvements occurred not only in older mice, but also in younger ones.
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Protein could enable new therapies against dementia
The study’s results suggest that PF4 could be a potential miracle drug in the fight against dementia and Alzheimer’s. In the future, the protein could be targeted to counteract age-related cognitive decline. The researchers found that PF4 rejuvenates the aging brain and strengthens the young brain. According to a UCSF press release, this could pave the way for new therapies “aimed at restoring brain function, if not tapping into a fountain of youth.”
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