Scientists from Purdue University (USA) found that the damage that causes Alzheimer’s disease occurs within a few hours after the blow to the head. The results of the research were published in the journal Lab-on-Chip.
Researchers have long known that traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, the exact mechanism of this relationship has not yet been determined. To fill this gap, the team developed a “mini-brain” to study the effects of strong influences.
During the experiment, the authors applied three blows of sufficient force to cause TBI. Neurons seem to produce large amounts of a substance called acrolein, which has been associated with brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases in early studies. High acrolein content led to the formation of amyloid protein, which is also associated with dementia.
These two risk factors for dementia occur within the first 24 hours after a stroke. According to the scientists, this discovery will help develop methods for early prediction of dementia development, as well as treatment against the disease.
ancient scientists discoveredIt is stated that Alzheimer’s disease may occur due to iron excess.