In another step in the right direction toward understanding the devastating disease that is Alzheimer’s, researchers have discovered that oxygen plays a critical role in the build-up of the protein plaques that are so detrimental to the brain. It turns out that a key gene — which causes less oxygen to be present in the blood — is behind a bigger build-up of the protein plaques that wreak havoc on the brain.
The research, which comes from Canada, notes that a specific gene, known as “BACE 1,” may be to blame for this lack of oxygen to the brain. It generates a certain protein known as “beta-amyloid,” which when found in a higher concentration in the brain can lead to a greater build- up of plaque. BACE 1 can be troublesome, as it encodes a protein that coverts amyloid (a less dangerous protein) into the beta-amyloid protein.
This has been found to play a negative role in Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also a key element in the process that contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
According to the study’s lead researcher, Weihong Song, “If you have less oxygen, you turn up this gene and obviously generate more beta-amyloid [protein]. If you have a higher level of beta-amyloid, you form more plaque. If you have this plaque, then you will have dementia.”
It’s been long established that lower levels of oxygen in the brain, which are caused by a reduction in blood flow, will increase an individual’s odds of developing Alzheimer’s. Also, this can contribute to stroke, which, in turn, can leave a person facing a two to three times increased risk of developing dementia as a result.
In the study, which used mice, the researchers found that reduced levels of oxygen led to an increase in activity of BACE 1. While it’s not completely straightforward, this finding does contribute to the understanding of how the brain becomes more susceptible to the development of Alzheimer’s.
Researchers have debated this lack of oxygen, which is known as hypoxia, for some time now. Whether it is a result of Alzheimer’s or a precursor to the disease is still to be fully clarified, but these newest findings do present another interesting and viable hypothesis, which could help in finding the solution to an often devastating and heartbreaking disease.
One thing that researchers can agree on is the importance of maintaining good cardiovascular health for not only the entire body, but also especially for the brain. Diet and exercise are two factors that can be controlled and that can lead to the development of hypoxia. It’s another great reason to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and to get enough cardiovascular and strength training in your daily routine.
As Song states, “If we can improve blood flow to the brain, maybe we can help slow Alzheimer’s progression. This report provides the mechanics for that. Increasing blood flow for the heart also helps slow Alzheimer’s disease.”
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Tags: Alzheimers Disease, exercise
