A new study from the University of Liverpool enhances understanding of Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases globally.

Led by Professor Ben Goult, researchers investigated two key brain proteins crucial for memory formation and maintenance.

The study identifies a significant link between Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and talin, a synaptic scaffold protein, essential for maintaining synaptic integrity.

Removing talin from cultured cells significantly alters the processing of APP, indicating the importance of this protein in Alzheimer's pathology.

The research indicates that misprocessing of APP, which is common in Alzheimer's, disrupts mechanical signaling and contributes to disease progression.

Disruptions in mechanical signaling pathways due to misprocessing of APP are linked to synaptic degeneration and memory loss in Alzheimer's disease.

Disruptions in the mechanical signaling pathway involving APP and talin may lead to Alzheimer's disease by causing synaptic degeneration and memory loss.

The findings suggest that repurposing existing cancer drugs that stabilize focal adhesions could potentially restore mechanical integrity at synapses, offering a new avenue for treatment.

Further research is necessary to validate these theories and explore their implications for early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Professor Goult describes Alzheimer's as a complex neurodegenerative disorder with little known about its underlying mechanisms, but this research provides new insights.

Professor Goult emphasizes that this research reveals new mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's, potentially leading to therapeutic interventions.