Fat buildup in the brain may weaken defenses in Alzheimer’s, not just plaques, say researchers

New research shows that fat buildup in the brain may weaken its natural defenses and play a bigger role in alzheimer’s disease than previously believed shifting focus beyond just amyloid plaques.(Image: Pexels)

Protein plaques have been studied as the enemy in Alzheimer’s. However, scientists at Purdue University have just unveiled a new suspect: Fat. Yes, fat, not in your diet, but clogging brain cells themselves. And this revelation could change everything you thought you knew about the disease.

Researchers now believe Alzheimer’s may not be caused by plaques and tangles alone. Their work shows the brain’s own immune cells, microglia, become overwhelmed with fat in Alzheimer’s patients. This fat, rather than being burned off for energy, is stored in unhealthy amounts, leaving these vital cells too sluggish to clear away harmful proteins or repair damage.

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Led by Professor Gaurav Chopra, the Purdue team found that fat buildup was especially bad near amyloid plaques, and that one key enzyme, DGAT2 (involved in fat (lipid) metabolism) was helping the fat pile up by refusing to break down. Instead of performing their normal protective functions, microglia were impaired, due to excessive fat accumulation, rendering them unable to mount an effective immune response.

Here’s how clogged brain cells might be holding back Alzheimer’s treatment

• Plaques are part of the story but not the whole. The team showed amyloid plaques trigger fat storage in nearby microglia.

• Fat-laden cells can’t do their job. Microglia overloaded with fat stopped clearing waste and protecting neurons.

• The DGAT2 enzyme is the hidden villain.This enzyme helps turn useful fatty acids into stored fat — and it wasn’t breaking down properly.

• Treating fat, not just protein, might be the key. By blocking or degrading DGAT2, the researchers restored microglial function in animal models.

• A new model for Alzheimer’s is emerging. Scientists now talk of a “lipid model of neurodegeneration”, shifting the spotlight from plaques to fat balance in the brain.

1. What is the new suspect in Alzheimer's disease?

- Scientists have discovered that fat clogging brain cells, rather than just protein plaques, might play a significant role in Alzheimer's disease.

2. How does fat affect microglia in Alzheimer's patients?

- Fat overwhelms microglia, preventing them from clearing harmful proteins and repairing damage in the brain.

3. What enzyme is involved in fat buildup near amyloid plaques?

- The enzyme DGAT2 is involved in lipid metabolism and contributes to fat buildup by refusing to break down fat.

4. How did researchers restore microglial function in animal models?

- By blocking or degrading DGAT2, researchers were able to restore microglial function, suggesting that treating fat balance might be crucial in Alzheimer's treatment.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.