A new study suggests that the storage of glucose in the brain plays a significant role in the degeneration of neurons, potentially leading to new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging found that glycogen, stored in the brain, is involved in pathology and can exacerbate tau protein build-ups.
The study reveals that excess glycogen levels can lead to a key mechanism where tau proteins interrupt the normal breakdown of glycogen, adding to the problem. However, boosting glycogen phosphorylase (GlyP) production can help alleviate this issue by improving detoxification processes.
Researchers also found that restricting diet can help mitigate brain damage in tauopathy models and suggest a potential therapeutic strategy targeting the cell’s inner chemistry. The study’s findings may tie into research on GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, which interact with glycogen pathways.
The discovery of how neurons manage sugar offers hope for unlocking powerful tools to combat dementia, particularly as the global population ages. Understanding and rebalancing the brain’s hidden sugar code could lead to new treatments for age-related decline.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/surprise-discovery-about-sugar-in-the-brain-could-help-fight-alzheimers