Activated microglia (IMAGE) Washington University School of Medicine Caption Mice prone to developing Alzheimer's-like brain damage have potentially damaging activated immune cells in their brains (above). Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that high levels of a normal protein associated with reduced heart disease also protect against Alzheimer's-like damage in mice, opening up new approaches to slowing or stopping brain damage and cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's. Credit Yang Shi Usage Restrictions This image is to be used in accordance with the mission, policies and guidelines of Washington University in St. Louis. Visit https://wustl.edu/about/compliance-policies/media-policies/multimedia-use/ for more information. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.