Named an unexpected helper in the fight against dementia

The protein of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which causes stomach ulcers, can prevent the development of dementia - it blocks the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain. This conclusion was reached by scientists from Aarhus University (Denmark). The results are published in the journal Science Advances (SciAdv).

It is believed that Alzheimer's disease develops due to the accumulation of beta-amyloid and tau protein in the brain. These two proteins form plaques and tangles that disrupt the function of neurons. Modern drugs aimed at removing amyloid deposits are only effective in the early stages and do not affect tau protein. Moreover, they can cause serious side effects, such as brain swelling.

Danish scientists have proposed an alternative approach: instead of destroying already formed plaques - preventing their formation. Researchers found that the protein fragment CagAN, produced by H. pylori, can suppress the aggregation of both beta-amyloid and tau protein.

Experiments showed that even in minimal concentrations, CagAN completely blocked the formation of toxic structures. Additional analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed: the protein interferes with the early stages of aggregation and prevents molecules from "sticking together" into dangerous clusters.

It was also discovered that CagAN can stop the aggregation of other amyloid proteins - for example, IAPP, associated with type 2 diabetes, and alpha-synuclein, which plays a role in the development of Parkinson's disease. This opens the way to creating new universal drugs against various neurodegenerative and systemic diseases.