Scientists from the Free University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands found that Alzheimer’s disease manifests itself in at least five different ways. This is due to the genetic characteristics of the patients and the clinical features of the disease. Research results published In the journal Nature Aging.
In the study, researchers were able to divide more than 400 Alzheimer’s patients into five groups based on the levels of certain proteins in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The proteins examined were associated with biological processes occurring in the body during Alzheimer’s disease. These include the formation of amyloid plaques in brain structures and neuroinflammation.
By analyzing cerebrospinal fluid, scientists identified 1,058 proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. They then used machine learning techniques (a type of artificial intelligence) to divide patients into groups based on the concentration of these proteins. People in one group had more proteins associated with dysregulation of RNA (a ribonucleic acid that plays an important role in gene coding and expression), while patients in the other group had higher concentrations of proteins that play a role in activating the immune system or stimulating the growth of brain cells.
It was also noted that there were clear differences between participants in the five groups (associated with forms of Alzheimer’s disease), in the genetic characteristics of the body and in the clinical features of the disease, such as the rate of progression of symptoms.
Scientists hope that their research will contribute to the development of new strategies and approaches for personalized treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Previous scientists discovered The connection between breathing during sleep and memory.