A groundbreaking study by researchers at Lancaster University has found that variations in breathing patterns may provide an early warning for Alzheimer’s disease, potentially leading to more accessible and cost-effective diagnostic methods.
The study, published in the journal Brain Communications, suggests that disruptions in the brain’s oxygen supply could contribute to the deterioration of nerve cells, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The brain, which consumes around 20% of the body’s total energy despite weighing just 1.4 kilograms, relies on a delicate balance between nerve cells and blood vessels to function efficiently.
The research team explored the relationship between changes in the brain’s neurovascular unit—the interconnected system of blood vessels and neurons—and the onset of Alzheimer’s. “Alzheimer’s can be hypothesized as a result of the brain not receiving proper nourishment via the blood vessels,” said Aneta Stefanovska, biophysicist and co-author of the study.
To investigate this, the team used a combination of probes attached to the scalp to measure brain blood flow and electrical activity, alongside an electrocardiogram and a chest-mounted belt to monitor heart rate and breathing. By capturing these physiological parameters simultaneously, researchers observed how well the body’s natural rhythms, including those of the heart and lungs, synchronized.
The study revealed that participants with Alzheimer’s disease exhibited a significantly higher resting respiratory rate compared to the control group. While the control group averaged around 13 breaths per minute, those with Alzheimer’s averaged 17 breaths per minute.
“This is a revolutionary finding that could open new avenues in the study of Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Stefanovska commented. “This increased respiratory frequency likely reflects underlying inflammation, possibly in the brain. If detected early, this could lead to treatment options that prevent the progression to severe stages of Alzheimer’s in the future.”
The researchers believe that their findings may also offer new drug targets, especially as current clinical trials focusing on protein-based therapies have yielded disappointing results. “Our approach demonstrates a clear, non-invasive, and cost-effective method for detecting Alzheimer’s,” Dr. Stefanovska added. “However, more research is needed to fully validate these findings.”
The study marks a significant step forward in the quest for early Alzheimer’s diagnosis, with potential implications for both treatment and prevention.
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