Publications

proNGF in Neuron-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: An Early Alzheimer’s Signature in Down Syndrome

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Extracellular Vesicles - Sant Pau Memory Unit

proNGF in Neuron-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: An Early Alzheimer’s Signature in Down Syndrome Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with a high risk of early-onset neurodegeneration. This study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, is the first to analyze levels of the nerve growth factor precursor protein (proNGF) in neuron-derived extracellular vesicles … Read more

Women show greater capacity to compensate for brain damage in cases of genetic frontotemporal dementia

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Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) encompasses a diverse group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by progressive deterioration in social behavior, language, and executive functions. This condition has a strong genetic basis, with up to 30% of affected individuals carrying autosomal dominant mutations. Sex has gained importance in neurodegenerative research, especially in Alzheimer’s disease, where evidence shows that, together … Read more

Identification of ARPP21 as a New Gene Linked to ALS

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Identification of a pathogenic mutation in ARPP21 in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, the cells responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles. While the exact cause of this rare disease remains unknown, around 40 genes have been associated with ALS. In a study published in the Journal of Neurology, … Read more

Microbleeds in individuals with Down Syndrome: Implications for Alzheimer’s disease treatment

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Anti-amyloid drugs have emerged as a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. However, these treatments can potentially cause cerebral microbleeds – small brain bleeds that may occur when amyloid is cleared from blood vessels. Understanding the natural history of these microbleeds is crucial for safe patient treatment and monitoring. This study, published in Neurology, provides key … Read more

Clinical dimensions along the non-fluent variant primary progressive aphasia spectrum

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“Clinical dimensions along the nonfluent variant primary progressive aphasia spectrum” Dr. Ignacio Illán Gala is a Neurologist at the memory unit of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. He currently leads the research group focused on the “Natural history, diagnosis and treatment of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration”. Other clinical researchers from our center … Read more

Why study sex differences in Alzheimer’s disease and in the context of Down syndrome?

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Why study sex differences in Alzheimer’s disease and in the context of Down syndrome?

Why study sex differences in Alzheimer’s disease and in the context of Down syndrome? The topic of sex differences is increasingly recognized as a top priority in neurology research, particularly in the context of precision medicine and personalized care strategies. Women account for around two-thirds of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as their caregivers. … Read more