Breakdown in Brain Cell and Blood Vessel Communication Identified in Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers at the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging have made significant progress in understanding how support cells in the brain, known as astrocytes, communicate with blood vessels, and how this process is disrupted in Alzheimer’s disease. The study, recently featured on the cover of the Journal of Neuroscience, reveals that in Alzheimer’s, the communication between astrocytes and blood vessels becomes impaired, leading to energy supply issues in the brain. This disruption could explain some of the cognitive decline observed in affected individuals.

The team used advanced imaging techniques in a mouse model to observe astrocyte activity around blood vessels in real time. They found that in Alzheimer’s-like conditions, astrocytes exhibit hyper-frequent activity that is uncoordinated with each other and with blood vessel activity. This miscommunication suggests that the brain may not receive adequate energy where and when it’s needed, contributing to difficulties in thinking and memory.

Lead researcher Dr. Chris Norris explained that this discovery highlights a critical weak link in the brain’s support network, opening avenues for therapies aimed at restoring normal blood flow and metabolic health by targeting astrocytes. The study is part of the broader Strategies for Targeting Astrocyte Reactivity in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (STAR-ADRD) project.

Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s progression and could pave the way for new treatment strategies focused on brain support cells and vascular health.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-uncover-key-brain-cell-communication.html