Scientists Found a Blood Protein Responsible for the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease

A blood protein has been found to be responsible for the pathogenesis or start of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study led by researchers in China. The new paper's abstract suggests that changes in the levels of circulating proteins are linked with the development of the notorious dementia-driven ailment. The researchers discovered a substance called soluble ST2 (sST2) as a disease-causing factor.

A decoy receptor of interleukin-33-ST2 signaling, sST2 level is connected with more severe pathological changes amongst female individuals with Alzheimer's disease. A decreased level of the blood protein also lowers the risk of developing the disease. Yet, the research found that there are biological processes in the genetic level which influences the amount of the said protein inside the brain.

Blood Protein

(Photo : Photo by NOEL CELIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The findings about the blood protein and its causal relationship with Alzheimer's disease was published in the journal Nature Aging on Thursday, August 25.

In the new paper, an international research team led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology paved the way for innovative strategy in reducing the risk of developing the memory-inhibiting sickness, which reportedly affects over 50 million people worldwide.

Also Read: People Administered with Flu Shot are 40% Less Likely to Develop Alzheimer's Disease

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

It was 1906 when Dr. Alois Alzheimer noticed alteration in the brain tissue of a woman, who had died of a mysterious mental illness. Her symptoms include unpredictable behavior, memory loss, and language problems.

Dr. Alzheimer examined the woman's brain and found that it has many abnormal clumps or amyloid plaques and tangled bundles of fibers, also known as neurofibrillary. It is at this moment that brain disease was discovered and named after the Germany psychiatrist and neuropathologist.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) defines Alzheimer's disease as a brain disorder which gradually destroys memory and thinking skills, as well as carrying out the simplest tasks of the mundane life, eventually.

It is the most common cause of dementia, an umbrella term used to depict a wide range of symptoms affecting the brain's memory, thinking, behavioral, and emotional functions. In general, dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, which interferes with a person's activities and daily life, according to the NIA.

US Alzheimer's Cases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were approximately 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease in 2020. However, this figure could increase by 300% or to 14 million people by 2060.

The CDC points out the degenerative disease rarely affects younger people but they can still get the condition. The mentioned symptoms can appear as early age 60 and associated risks increases with age.

Experts claim over 6 million Americans with an age of 65 and above could have Alzheimer's disease, as cited by the NIA. They claim the number of cases will continue to increase unless treatment or preventative measures are developed. This is because an increasing age is the 'most important known' risk factor for the mental illness.