Aggregates of misfolded beta-amyloid proteins are known to be the precursors of Alzheimer's disease. However, about 30-50% individuals contain this brain pathology yet never develop Alzheimer’s symptoms in their lifetime. A recent study tried to identify the mechanism behind this and they found that dendritic spines act as protective barriers in such cases. Dendritic spines are the parts of the neurons which help to make connections with other neurons and transmit information.
It has been known in the field that in Alzheimer's disease, there is a loss of dendritic spines and thus the loss of synapses. This hence impairs the ability to think and remember, which is a classic symptom of Alzheimer’s. However, whether dendritic spines have a protective effect against Alzheimer' disease, was not proven experimentally. Current study: Dendritic structures of 21 patients with Alzheimer's were…
