Scientists Find the Brain's Death Switch That Causes Alzheimer's

Scientists at Heidelberg University found an important "death switch" in the brain. This switch causes brain cells to die in Alzheimer's disease.

The researchers, led by Professor Hilmar Bading, discovered how this works. Two proteins in brain cells work together: NMDA receptors and another protein called TRPM4. When these proteins interact incorrectly, they send a signal that kills brain cells.

"We understand now how nerve cells die in Alzheimer's," Professor Bading explains. "This is very important for finding new treatments."

The team tested a new compound called FP802. This compound blocks the harmful interaction between the two proteins. In laboratory tests with mice, FP802 protected brain cells from dying. The mice showed better brain function and memory.

Scientists from Shandong University in China also worked on this research. Their findings were published in the scientific journal Molecular Psychiatry.

The results are exciting because the death switch also affects other diseases, like ALS. FP802 could help patients with these brain diseases in the future. However, more testing is needed before doctors can use it with patients.

This discovery shows that understanding how brain cells die can lead to new medicines for serious diseases.