A new study links a variant of the apolipoprotein E gene called APOE ε4 to better memory in older age, even in the presence of amyloid plaques—a possible explanation for the variant’s persistence despite its association with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Conservation of structures and functions between single-celled fungi and human cells allow researchers to probe the brain.

Meet some of the people featured in the October 2021 issue of The Scientist.

The single-celled fungus allows researchers to study Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS and other brain diseases with unparalleled speed and scale.

The US Food and Drug Administration has called for a federal investigation of its own regulatory review process after widespread criticism of its decision on Aduhelm.

A lackluster performance in clinical trials of the monoclonal antibody aducanumab has left some experts unconvinced of its benefit.

Author Lauren Aguirre finds reasons for optimism in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Authors of a new review urge researchers to consider how the chromosomal sex of a cell affects experiments in research on neurodegeneration.

Patients who received the drug fared better cognitively and functionally than those taking placebo, but still experienced losses in performance.

Manipulating the production of new neurons can improve cognition in animal models of the disease, raising the possibility that figuring out a way for humans to make more neurons could make a difference for people with dementia.

Knocking out the receptor for a lipid that causes inflammation rejuvenates macrophage metabolism and restores cognitive function in an Alzheimer’s disease model.

The variant causes a buildup of BACE1 protein in axons in cultured neurons and mice. Researchers say it might be time to rethink failed trials that inhibit BACE1 to treat the neurodegenerative disease.

The test will be a cheaper and more accessible alternative to currently available diagnostic tools, researchers say.