September is World Alzheimer’s Month. Globally, around 40 million people live with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. In those affected, nerve cells in the brain gradually degenerate, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, disorientation, and difficulties managing everyday life.
At Skåne University Hospital and Lund University, researchers are working intensively to develop new blood tests that make diagnosis both more accurate and more affordable. Behind the scenes, many other Alzheimer’s projects are underway. Here are five examples – from molecule to patient:
The eye as a window to the brain
Imagine being able to detect Alzheimer’s disease just by looking into someone’s eyes. Findings from the Cognitive Disorder Research Unit suggest that changes in the retina may reflect disease progression. This could enable earlier and simpler diagnostic alternatives.
“Our results show that the retina is a promising way to detect and track Alzheimer’s without risky sampling inside the brain,” says research group leader Malin Wennström.
Trained immune cells protect the brain
Not only the eye changes early in Alzheimer’s. A study from the Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory reveals that brain immune cells can be trained early in life to improve their ability to clear harmful proteins later, helping protect neurons from damage.
“Our findings suggest that if brain immune cells are activated earlier in life, they handle Alzheimer-related proteins more effectively. This opens the door to new preventive strategies,” explains group leader Tomas Deierborg.
Tailor-made cell models for drug discovery
That brain immune cells and neurons influence each other is nothing new. To truly understand this interaction, the Stem Cell, Aging and Neurodegeneration group is developing advanced brain cell models using genome engineering and cell reprogramming.
“These models could be game-changing for identifying new biomarkers, treatment targets, and drug testing methods,” says research group leader Henrik Ahlenius.
Global databases ensure reliable knowledge
Another way to understand Alzheimer’s is by studying how proteins change. But since studies often produce conflicting results, drawing firm conclusions has been difficult. With the world’s largest database on neurodegenerative disease proteins (GNPC), the Neurodegenerative Research group is searching for new biomarkers and treatment strategies.
“This international dataset allows us to compare results across many studies at once, creating robust knowledge that can truly benefit the field,” says the group leader Jacob Vogel.
Molecular clues behind risk factors
Another question researchers are exploring is why some people develop Alzheimer’s disease while others do not. By studying patients with traumatic brain injury, researchers in the Translational Neurotrauma group uncover how physical trauma may trigger disease processes, and how these might be prevented.
“For example, we want to understand why sport-related concussions increase the risk of Alzheimer’s later in life. If we can pinpoint the molecular trigger, we may be able to prevent it,” explains Niklas Marklund, who leads the team that combines clinical and experimental studies.
In a research environment shaped by collaboration, scientists at MultiPark are steadily moving closer to new knowledge, more effective treatments, and improved quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
