A groundbreaking study reveals that a mismatch between blood flow and brain cell activity could be a key driver of Alzheimer’s disease. An international team of researchers, led by Lancaster University, has found that this breakdown in coordination may explain the nerve cell damage seen in the condition. Their work points toward a simpler way to diagnose Alzheimer’s and opens doors for new treatment strategies.
A Revolutionary Discovery in Alzheimer’s Research
Researchers have uncovered a vital clue in the complex puzzle of Alzheimer’s disease. The team, headed by Professor Aneta Stefanovska, observed a breakdown in the relationship between the brain’s blood supply and its neural activity. This finding challenges previous understandings of the disease.
“This is an interesting discovery—in my opinion, a revolutionary one—that may open a whole new world in the study of Alzheimer’s disease,” Professor Stefanovska stated.
The study also suggests that inflammation, possibly within the brain itself, could be the underlying cause of this disruption. Detecting this problem early could allow for interventions to slow or even stop the disease’s progression.
How the Brain’s Energy Supply System Fails
The brain is an incredibly demanding organ. It uses about 20% of the body’s total energy despite only accounting for 2% of its weight. This constant energy supply is managed by the “neurovascular unit,” a complex system that ensures brain cells, or neurons, receive the oxygen and nutrients they need from the blood.
Dr. Bernard Meglič, a neurologist from the University of Ljubljana who coordinated the clinical side of the study, highlighted the importance of this partnership. “The vascular system and the brain work together to ensure that the brain receives sufficient energy,” he explained. The new theory proposes that Alzheimer’s is essentially an energy crisis, where neurons are starved because the blood supply system is not working correctly.
What the Study Revealed about Brain Function
To test their theory, the scientists examined 39 people, including 19 with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and a control group of 20 healthy individuals. They used a series of noninvasive methods to monitor the body’s natural rhythms.
These methods included:
- Electrical and optical probes to measure brain activity and oxygen levels.
- Electrocardiograms (ECG) to check heart function.
- Respiratory belts to monitor breathing patterns.
The results were clear. In the Alzheimer’s patients, the coordination between neurons and blood vessels was significantly weaker than in the control group. This provided strong evidence that the neurovascular unit was failing, leading to an energy imbalance in the brain.
An Unexpected Link to Breathing Rates
One of the most surprising findings came from an unexpected source: the participants’ breathing. The team noticed a distinct difference in the resting respiratory rates between the two groups.
| Participant Group | Median Breathing Rate |
| Control Group | ~13 breaths per minute |
| Alzheimer’s Group | ~17 breaths per minute |
This seemingly small difference could be a major factor. Researchers believe faster breathing may lead to less efficient oxygen delivery. This poor oxygen regulation could hinder the brain’s ability to clear out harmful substances like amyloid beta, the toxic protein strongly linked to Alzheimer’s, thereby speeding up the disease.
New Hope for Alzheimer’s Diagnosis and Treatment
These findings could change how we approach Alzheimer’s disease. First, they offer a new potential biomarker. Instead of expensive brain scans or invasive spinal taps, doctors might one day be able to diagnose the condition by measuring the sync between blood flow and neuron activity with simple external sensors.
Second, this research identifies a new target for therapies. Treatments designed to repair the neurovascular unit and improve blood flow regulation could help slow or prevent cognitive decline. Professor Stefanovska and her team are now exploring how to turn their discovery into a practical diagnostic tool, with plans to launch a startup to make it widely available.
