A Sugar Switch in the Brain: New Hope for Alzheimer’s?

Link: ScienceDaily – Neurons reroute glycogen to power antioxidant defenses

What the Study Did: Researchers at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases examined how neurons metabolize glycogen. Using fly and mouse models as well as human neurons, they found that blocking the enzyme GlyP impaired antioxidant defenses and increased tau protein accumulation.

Summary: This "sugar switch" discovery suggests that glycogen breakdown via GlyP supports brain health. Boosting GlyP may help prevent tau buildup linked to Alzheimer’s.

Why It Matters: This may lead to new therapies that slow Alzheimer’s by targeting metabolic pathways.

Patient Takeaway: Neuropsychological evaluations can help identify metabolic factors affecting cognition. Supporting brain energy systems may help preserve function.