A surprising ally in the fight against Alzheimer’s may be lurking in our stomachs.
Scientists have discovered that a protein fragment from Helicobacter pylori—the bacteria known for causing ulcers—can block the harmful buildup of both amyloid-beta and tau proteins, the toxic hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
In lab experiments, this fragment, called CagAN, nearly eliminated the formation of these brain-damaging clumps, even at low concentrations. The same protein also interfered with amyloids linked to Parkinson’s and type 2 diabetes, hinting at a broader therapeutic potential.
The breakthrough offers a new direction in Alzheimer’s research, which has long focused on clearing amyloid plaques with limited success. Rather than trying to eliminate H. pylori, researchers suggest a more nuanced approach—preserving or mimicking beneficial components like CagAN. While this discovery is still in early stages and hasn't been tested in animals or humans, it could pave the way for novel treatments targeting multiple neurodegenerative diseases. The idea that a common bacterium might hold keys to protecting our brains challenges long-held assumptions in medicine and opens the door to precision microbiome therapies.
Peoplesmind
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