To fight dementia effectively, we must first understand exactly what goes wrong in the brain. Researchers are gaining an increasing understanding of the various processes involved in different forms of dementia. This knowledge is crucial for developing future treatments and drugs.
Protein accumulations in the brain
In many forms of dementia, certain proteins accumulate in the brain. Proteins such as amyloid, tau and alpha-synuclein play an important role. Scientists are studying how these proteins accumulate and how they cause damage in the brain. In addition, they are trying to discover if and how these proteins can be removed or damage limited. They are also investigating why, despite the presence of these proteins, some people do not show symptoms of dementia.
The immune system and inflammation
Our immune system is able to clear harmful protein accumulations, but in dementia, this process often does not work properly. This leads to inflammation that can cause brain damage. Researchers want to know why the immune system sometimes fails and how this immune response can be improved. They are trying to understand the underlying mechanism and find ways to strengthen the immune system or inhibit it when needed.
Blood vessels and brain health
Vascular damage can reduce blood supply to brain cells, hindering their functioning and contributing to dementia. Scientists are studying the causes of vascular damage, such as amyloid accumulations in blood vessels, high blood pressure and diabetes. They develop new techniques to detect vascular damage at an early stage, for instance with advanced imaging or by measuring specific substances in the blood. They also search for treatments to repair and prevent vascular damage.
Why do some people develop dementia and not others?
Not everyone develops dementia, even if they share risk factors. Researchers are therefore investigating the causes of these differences. Sometimes genetic factors play a role, giving insight into the origin of the disease. Lifestyle also appears to be an important factor. Healthy habits such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient social interaction can reduce the risk of dementia. It also looks at the influence of nutrition and its effect on the immune system. These insights will help researchers better understand why some people develop dementia and others do not.
Conclusion
Unravelling the causes of dementia is essential for developing effective treatments. By understanding how protein accumulations, immune responses and vascular damage contribute to the disease, researchers can develop new methods to prevent, treat and ultimately cure dementia. Each discovery brings us closer to a solution for this complex disease.
