Rethinking Alzheimer’s: A new molecule reverses cognitive decline in a unique way

For years, the majority of research funding for Alzheimer’s disease was spent investigating drugs to reduce amyloid plaques, a brain abnormality believed to be the root cause of the disease.

This narrow focus is now the subject of multiple controversies, as some of the studies which positioned amyloid plaques as the cause included faked data. Many argue the decades long obsession with amyloid plaques, and exclusion of other research, has set the field back and been a massive disservice to those with the disease. Despite billions of dollars in research funding, almost no effective treatments have been developed, and this may be due in part to looking in the wrong places.

A new study out of Brazil provides evidence which further undermines the amyloid hypothesis and may initiate progress down a new path of research. Researchers showed that by increasing production of a specific protein (hevin) in the brain, they were able to reduce cognitive decline in both healthy mice, and mice with Alzheimer’s-like disease. Importantly, this cognitive improvement was achieved with no impact on amyloid plaques.

What is Hevin?

Hevin, also known as SPARC-like protein 1 (SPARCL1), is a glycoprotein that is primarily released by astrocytes. Astrocytes are the star-shaped glial cells that provide crucial support to neurons throughout the brain.

Hevin has been shown to promote the formation and maintenance of synapses, the bridges facilitating communication between neurons. It also seems to play a role in the synaptic plasticity mechanisms that underlie learning and memory. Recent research has revealed that hevin levels decline with aging and are significantly reduced in Alzheimer’s disease brains. This reduction appears to correlate with cognitive decline and synaptic dysfunction.

This research aligns with the C4 model, which positions cellular communication as the key to cognition. Consistent with this model, any reduction in a protein which is important for facilitating optimal cellular communication would produce cognitive decline. While hevin may just be one piece of the puzzle, the study showing that increasing its production can reduce cognitive decline supports the C4 model and will hopefully advance understanding and treatment development.

How can we restore Hevin?

In the recent study, hevin was increased in the brains of mice using viral vectors to deliver genes to the neurons. While this is proof of concept that gene therapy targeting hevin may be a future treatment pathway, implementing this approach in humans is much more difficult and requires extensive safety testing and regulatory approval.

Researchers would much prefer to develop a drug which can be administered, though this is also difficult. Supplementing hevin itself is challenging due to its inability to cross the blood-brain-barrier, so researchers are currently investigating treatments which might stimulate our brains to produce hevin on its own. However, no such treatments are available yet.

In the meantime, we can still leverage these new findings to reduce cognitive decline. Research suggests that by promoting the overall health of our astrocytes we likely support their ability to produce hevin, as well as perform their broad protective roles.

What Makes a Healthy Astrocyte?

Unsurprisingly, all of the strategies proven to support astrocytes are already well known to be beneficial for the brain. By implementing the following changes we can promote broad brain health in a number of ways, at least in part by optimizing astrocyte function.

1. Exercise

Exercise has been shown to promote the formation of new astrocytes, increasing density within neural circuits positively contributing to their ability to support cognitive tasks. It also improves the ability of existing astrocytes to regulate synaptic environments and metabolic support.

2. Nutrition

Whole food diets filled with healthy fats, omega 3s, and anti-inflammatory polyphenols like those in blueberries, dark chocolate, teas, and a number of vegetables have also been shown to be positive for astrocytes.

3. Sleep

During sleep, astrocytes undergo changes that affect their ability to support neuronal function. Research has shown that astrocytes release adenosine to promote sleep and play pivotal roles in “cleaning the brain” during sleep through the glymphatic pathway.

4. Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact astrocyte function and overall brain health. Recent research has revealed that astrocytes play important roles in regulating stress responses by releasing adenosine to suppress nearby nerve activity when exposed to stress-inducing stimuli. Managing stress through meditation, mindfulness practices, or other stress-reduction techniques may help maintain optimal astrocyte function.

5. Environment Enrichment

Environmental enrichment and cognitive stimulation have been shown to positively affect astrocyte morphology and function. Studies demonstrate that exposure to enriched environments makes astrocytes larger and more complex, with increased numbers and lengths of astrocytic processes. These changes are associated with improved cognitive function and increased resistance to neurodegenerative processes.

The Shift Toward Complexity

While the amyloid plaque controversy may have set research back, there are now thousands of skilled scientists hard at work investigating alternative disease pathways. The study out of Brazil highlights the work of one such group, and should serve to ignite optimism.

The paradigm around cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s is shifting to one of complexity, where there are multiple factors at play, rather than just plaques. Future treatments are likely to address multiple different pathways within the brain.

Taking Personal Responsibility for our Brains

Cognitive decline is scary. We are our minds, and by losing them it’s as though we are losing ourselves. While researchers are hard at work to develop novel treatments, we should not aim to rely on them.

By supporting our brains with the lifestyle changes shown time and time again to be beneficial, we can take personal responsibility for our own cognition functioning. It’s impossible to escape recommendations to exercise, focus on nutrition, sleep, and stress management. This is because they are the pillars of health, supporting optimal functioning of every system.

In my new book, The Energetic Investor, I explore why we often struggle to follow advice, even when we recognize its importance. We know the changes we need to make, yet we find ourselves unable to act on them. The answer lies in understanding the intricate interplay of our inner “hardware” and “software,” with epigenetic programming functioning as a kind of “firmware” within the biological supercomputer that is the human body.

Join us in understanding this supercomputer and striving for improvement.