In the brain, the immune response is unique. In addition to fighting disease and regulating cell health, researchers have also found that part of the brain’s immune response includes regulating blood flow and quantity within the brain. When someone ages, this immune response becomes more and more important. A weakened immune system can lead to even more health problems amongst the elderly. Addressing this issue early is one of the best ways to help keep seniors safe.
This may not seem like a unique discovery, but the implications for this could be very big. The doctors and researchers behind this recent study believe that the blood flow and regulation within the brain that immune cells control might be connected to Alzheimer’s in some way. For example, it has been observed in the past that immune cell depletion is associated with a higher likelihood of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. But even with these observations, it’s still unclear just what immune cells do in the brain.
Immune cells in the brain are called microglia and researchers have been examining them closely for about twenty years. Their role in regulating blood flow was just observed for the first time in this study. In this respect, it is a landmark study. However, it also is just a beginning when it comes to understanding what microglia do within the brain.
There’s still a lot of additional research that is needed in this area. This study is just the first step in many that will lead to a better understanding of the immune response and how it impacts cognitive decline. There’s also evidence that indicates that the immune response might be helpful when looking at stroke prevention and treatment. They have already stated that the next phase of research will be looking at microglia and Alzheimer’s within rodent models.
The team is based out of the University of Virginia’s Health System. They published their findings in the journal, Nature Communications.
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can devastate a family. Caring for a loved one in need is tough, especially if they require more assistance than you are able to readily give. Families adapt, but sometimes more care is required. When it comes to professional care, you do have a lot of choices available. The difficult part is finding what works best for your family and your unique set of needs. Just knowing where to start can sometimes be a challenge in itself.
If we can help, we’d love to be there for you. Whether you’d just like to see what your options are for memory care, learn more about how we can make life easier for those you love, or you just want to get pointed in the right direction, we can help with a free consultation. Give us a call to book this today. You are under no obligation–the worst that can happen is that you know a little bit more about senior care and how your family might benefit from it.
Dementia and aging is a difficult process for the person involved and all of their family members. The right senior care can help make it a little easier.
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