Your gut may be making a molecule that raises Alzheimer’s risk
HealthScienceDaily

Your gut may be making a molecule that raises Alzheimer’s risk

Scientists have found a gut-produced molecule called ImP is linked to faster cognitive decline and the protein buildup associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists have linked a gut bacterial compound called ImP to greater Alzheimer’s risk, harmful brain protein buildup, and faster cognitive decline. The finding raises the possibility that reducing ImP in the blood could one day help slow or prevent dementia.

The Long Sip
What happened

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that a compound called imidazole propionate, made by certain gut bacteria, is linked to greater Alzheimer's risk and faster cognitive decline.

The detail

In mice, ImP reaching the brain increased the buildup of beta amyloid and tau proteins, the two hallmark features of Alzheimer's disease, the study found.

What it means

The researchers studied nearly 1,200 people and say reducing ImP levels in the blood could one day become a target for lowering dementia risk, though more work is needed.

For you

The study found people with higher ImP levels in their blood were much more likely to show biological markers of Alzheimer's, suggesting gut health may be a future target for dementia prevention.

Full story at ScienceDaily

What readers are saying

raj_rhodes
The genetic variation affecting kidney function is the key detail here - about 43% of the study group carry it, which means a significant chunk of the population might be stuck with higher ImP regardless of diet. That's why the researchers are pointing toward a drug-based solution rather than tweaking what you eat, since you can't exactly avoid histidine without compromising nutrition. If they crack an inhibitor, it could be genuinely useful for a lot of people. 🧬
IndianAusPriya
If you're worried about this, don't bother trying to cut histidine from your diet - the article makes clear you need it and it's in most protein foods anyway. The real takeaway is that this is still lab work with mice, so we're probably years away from any actual treatment or blood test you could get through your GP.
Puzzle break

Five minutes for you

True or false1 of today's 5
“A coconut is a fruit, a nut, and a seed”
More to play, free every day
Daily CrosswordWord DashRare FindThe Link

More from Cuppa

Breast cancer cases rise among women aged 25-35, experts flag concern

Breast cancer is being diagnosed more often in women aged 25 to 35, with experts pointing to lifestyle factors like late motherhood, obesity and stress.

G7 to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel, will it curb prices?

G7 nations have agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from emergency reserves to try to ease record global energy prices.

UAE may halt UK investments after Manchester City guilty verdict

The UAE has warned the UK it may pull major investments, including a tech hub deal, after Manchester City were found guilty of financial rule breaches.

Muse Creates Detailed Profiles of All Your Friends and Family

Meta's new AI agent Muse collects detailed profiles of your contacts and nudges users to share bank, email and passport data, raising serious privacy concerns.

Soaring diesel prices take their toll on US farmers in midwest corn belt

Record diesel prices driven by the Iran war and refinery disruptions are hitting US midwest farmers hard, adding thousands of dollars to harvest costs.

Our Solar System Is Terminally Unstable and Will Be Completely Destroyed, Study Finds

A new study has dramatically shortened the estimated lifespan of our outer solar system from 100 billion years to just a few billion years.

Processed Foods May Ease Symptoms

A small study found people with depression had noticeably lower symptom scores when they cut ultra-processed foods by more than 85 percent.

‘I was making no money’: Travel agent side hustle promoted by influencers criticised over fees

A travel agent side hustle promoted by influencers including Love Island's Yasmin Hadlow has left recruits out of pocket after fees outweighed any earnings.

Back to the feed