Episode # 5
The Alzheimer's Solution Revolution
#5 The Role of Tau Protein and Tau Tangles in the Progression and Development of Alzheimer’s Disease
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EPISODE 5
Summary and Audio
In the fifth episode of The Alzheimer’s Solutions Revolution podcast with Ralph Sanchez, I talk with my co-host Susan Brender, as we continue with our special podcast series called Think Ahead.
In this week’s episode, I’ll provide an overview on the role of aberrant tau protein aggregates, and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (tau tangles) in the progression and development of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD).
The toxic accumulation of tau tangles in brain cells (neurons) is one of the two hallmark lesions associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aggregation of beta-amyloid peptides (protein) and their formation of amyloid plaque is the other toxic hallmark lesion linked to LOAD.
Additionally, I’ll give a summary on the importance that tau protein plays in a critical component in the conveyance network and cytoskeletal structure that is an essential element of neuronal function and structure.
The cytoskeletal conveyance structure of the neuron contributes to the all-important shuttling of mitochondria and nutrients to the neuron’s axonal terminal and synapse in order to provide the energy metabolism required for optimal synaptic function and plasticity.
Top Takeaways
- How beta amyloid peptides aggregate and interrupt synaptic function.
- Tau protein is an important component of a microtubule network in the neuron, and it is a crucial cytoskeletal network that supports neuronal function.
- The microtubule skeletal network is an important transport system that facilitates the shuttling of nutrients and mitochondria from the cell body to the synapse terminals.
- Mitochondrial transport via the microtubule network is a critical factor in the stability and integrity of the neuron and synaptic function.
- Beta-amyloid aggregates within the neuron stimulate the breakdown of the cytoskeletal network, and the subsequent formation of neurofibrillary tangles.
- Research has shown that the formation of neurofibrillary tangles correlates more significantly with cognitive decline than beta-amyloid plague.
- The concept of brain plasticity is a term that refers to the malleability and adaptability of brain’s structural and functional dynamics which is vital in the brain’s capacity to integrate information and various experiences, and consolidate that sensory and intellectual input into memory and learning processes.
Epidsode 5
Timestamp Highlights
In this Episode
[1:03] Preview of episode #6 titled “How Early in Life Can You Begin to Assess AND Track Your Risk for Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease?”
[2:12] Todays overview on tau protein will focus on their role as a component of the microtubule conveyance network in neurons, and the underlying factors that lead to the formation of neurofibrillary tanglesneurofibrillary tangles that are composed of tau protein aggregates.
[3:40] Brief review on the role beta-amyloid peptide aggregations in the pathological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
[6:44] Discussion of how important the integrity of tau protein is in the structure of the neuron’s microtubule conveyance network.
[7:15] How the conveyance/cytoskeletal network (microtubules) is an important component in the transport of nutrients and mitochondria to the synapse.
[9:20] Role of mitochondrial energy metabolism in synaptic function and brain health in the prevention of cognitive decline.
[11:46] What happens when beta-amyloid peptide aggregates accumulate within the neuron and trigger the breakdown of the microtubule network and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles.
[12:44] The disassembly of the microtubule network formation and and subsequent accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles may represent a more reliable indicator of the cognitive decline and impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
[14:42] Closing reminder that in my book, “The Diabetic Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease“, I provide and in depth overview on the role of beta-amyloid peptide aggregations as disruptors of synaptic function, and the role of tau protein in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles—the characteristic intracellular lesions associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Please listen in!
Ralph Sanchez, MTCM, CNS, D.Hom
BrainDefend®
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