For many years, fighting brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's has been difficult. Around the world, about 55 million people have dementia, often from Alzheimer's. Another 10 million people have Parkinson's disease, which causes shaking and stiffness. Current treatments often try to remove harmful protein clumps in the brain, but they don't always work well.
Now, researchers have found a new approach. Instead of removing the protein clumps, they are trying to make the brain stronger against them. Scientists identified a specific enzyme in the immune system called 15-PGDH. This enzyme usually helps reduce swelling in the body. However, in people with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or brain injuries, this enzyme becomes too active.
This high activity causes swelling and damage in the brain. It also breaks down the blood-brain barrier, which is a protective layer that keeps the brain safe. When this barrier is damaged, brain cells can die.
The researchers tested what would happen if they blocked the 15-PGDH enzyme. They used special methods to block it in mice that were designed to have Alzheimer's disease or brain injuries. The results were very positive. The blood-brain barrier stayed strong, and the brain cells stopped dying. The mice also kept their thinking abilities.
This new method protected the brain without removing the protein clumps associated with Alzheimer's. This is different from some current Alzheimer's drugs. The approach also showed promise for Parkinson's disease, helping the mice regain movement control. Researchers are hopeful that this discovery could lead to new treatments for these devastating brain diseases.