This brief highlights a mechanism by which brain-support cells (astrocytes) can be activated to reduce Alzheimer’s-related plaque and preserve cognition in a model system. For mental health professionals, the material offers insight into the cellular processes that underlie neurodegenerative changes and how glial function may influence cognitive resilience, which can inform considerations of patient care, caregiver education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Article Title: Boosting one protein helps the brain fight Alzheimer’s

Link to Science Daily Mind-Brain News: https://nolinkpreview.com/www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260502013550.htm

#AlzheimersResearch
#Neuroglia
#Astrocytes
#CognitiveHealth
#Neuroscience
#GlialCells
#BrainHealth
#MolecularBiology
#Neuroinflammation
#MentalHealthScience

`#Oligodendrocytes (from Greek 'cells with a few branches'), also known as oligodendroglia, are a type of #neuroglia whose main functions are to provide support and insulation to #axons within the central nervous system (CNS) of jawed vertebrates. Their function is similar to that of Schwann cells, which perform the same task in the peripheral nervous system`

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligodendrocyte

Anthea Weng, Erik Rabin & co show that alpha-T-catenin is expressed in peripheral #nerves as a constituent of Schwann cell adherens junctions:

https://journals.biologists.com/bio/article/11/12/bio059634/286109/Alpha-T-catenin-is-expressed-in-peripheral-nerves

“We show that a cell connecting gene that is found in nerves and their surrounding supporting cells may play key roles in the basis of many diseases.”

We interviewed Anthea and Erik to find out more about their research:

https://journals.biologists.com/bio/article/11/12/bio059773/286146/First-person-Anthea-Weng-and-Erik-Rabin

#Catenin #Myelination #Neuroglia #Neurons #Science #BiologyOpen #Biology

>> Evolution of #neuroglia

Check this review by Verkhratsky, Arranz et al.

https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.14917