New strategy reduces brain damage in Alzheimer’s and related disorders, in mice (IMAGE)

WashU Medicine

New strategy reduces brain damage in Alzheimer’s and related disorders, in mice

Caption

Mice genetically modified to develop tangles of tau protein in their brains are studied as a model of Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies. Treating such mice with the drug digoxin (right) reduces brain atrophy compared to untreated mice (left). Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered that targeting astrocytes — an inflammatory cell in the brain — reduces tau-related brain damage and inflammation in mice.

Credit

CAROLYN MANN

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