It’s no secret that Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most devastating conditions we face as we age.
With over 32 million people suffering from it globally, researchers are racing against time to find new ways to treat, prevent, and hopefully one day cure this relentless disease.
But a recent study has uncovered something alarming—something that could change the way we understand and approach Alzheimer’s altogether.
New research, published in Nature Neuroscience, has revealed that Alzheimer’s attacks the brain in two distinct phases: the first happens before any visible symptoms appear, and the second is a much more aggressive, destructive stage that leads to the memory loss and cognitive decline we associate with the disease.
Here’s what’s most alarming: the initial phase is a silent one, marked by a slow but steady increase in inflammation deep within the brain. This phase can last for years before any outward signs—like memory loss—make themselves known.
What this means is that, by the time Alzheimer’s symptoms show up, the disease has already been wreaking havoc inside the brain for quite some time.
The opportunity for early diagnosis or treatment? It’s slipping away before we even know the danger is there.
So, what exactly are these two phases?
- The Silent Inflammatory Phase: The first phase is subtle but deadly. This stage is marked by increasing inflammation in the brain. Researchers have found that inhibitory neurons—the ones responsible for calming or deactivating other neurons—are affected first. This disruption may lead to the neural circuitry problems that set the stage for full-blown Alzheimer’s.
- The Destructive Phase: Once the disease progresses into the second phase, the damage is unmistakable. This stage sees the notorious buildup of protein plaques and tangles, which cause severe destruction to neurons and lead to the cognitive impairments like memory loss and confusion. It’s here that Alzheimer’s truly takes hold—and, tragically, it’s often only at this point that the disease is detected.
The researchers behind this groundbreaking study, led by teams from the University of Washington and the Allen Institute for Brain Science, analyzed the brains of 84 individuals who died with Alzheimer’s disease.
Their findings don’t just highlight how the disease progresses—they also pinpoint the specific brain cells and circuits that are destroyed first.
What’s truly terrifying about these findings is that this first phase, the slow-burning inflammatory stage, could represent a critical window for early diagnosis.
But here’s the problem: most people don’t realize anything’s wrong until the damage has already reached the second phase.
By the time memory loss or confusion set in, the disease has likely been at work for years. This makes early intervention difficult and underscores the need for more aggressive screening and research into how to detect this early inflammatory stage.
While we await more advancements in early diagnosis, there are steps you can take right now to help protect your brain health. Three natural supplements have shown promise in supporting cognitive function and potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease:
- Curcumin: Derived from turmeric, curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential ally in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown it can reduce neuroinflammation and may even help prevent the buildup of harmful protein plaques.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, omega-3s support brain function and have been linked to lower levels of inflammation. Research has also shown that omega-3s may help protect against cognitive decline, particularly in older adults.
- Ginkgo Biloba: This ancient herbal supplement has been used for centuries to support memory and cognitive function. Ginkgo Biloba may help improve blood flow to the brain and has been shown to support mental sharpness and overall brain health.
Alzheimer’s is devastating. And these new findings reveal just how sneaky and dangerous it truly is. The silent inflammatory phase highlights the desperate need for early detection, but until we get there, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to support our brain health.
Consider adding these natural supplements to your routine and make brain protection a priority. The earlier you start, the better your chances of staying sharp and vibrant as you age.
To your brain health,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. To learn more ways to combat and prevent Alzheimer’s, we encourage you to check out Dr. Alan Inglis’ Brain Rescue Protocol. Click here for more details.
Sources:
Nield, D. (2024, October 17). Alzheimer’s Disease Harms The Brain in 2 Distinct Phases, Study Reveals. ScienceAlert. https://sciencealert.com/alzheimers-disease-harms-the-brain-in-2-distinct-phases-study-reveals
