A new study using fruit flies reveals that Alzheimer’s disease may affect more than just the brain.
Scientists found that the proteins linked to Alzheimer’s — especially tau — may also speed up aging, alter fat metabolism, and damage gut health.
The research, published in Neuron, highlights how brain proteins can influence the rest of the body. While Alzheimer’s is mainly known for memory loss and cognitive decline, these findings suggest it may also disrupt other organs and systems.
Researchers built a detailed cell atlas of fruit flies with Alzheimer’s-like proteins and found two major culprits: amyloid-beta and tau. Amyloid-beta mostly damaged neurons, especially those tied to the senses like smell — one of the early signs of Alzheimer’s in humans. Tau, on the other hand, triggered wider problems. It altered fat storage, damaged gut cells, and reduced reproductive ability in male flies.
The team also found that tau accelerated signs of aging. Flies with high tau levels showed faster biological aging than others. This may be due to disrupted brain-body communication caused by changes in nerve signals.
Experts believe these insights could lead to better understanding of how Alzheimer’s develops and spreads through the body. While fruit flies are simple organisms, the core biology they share with humans can help guide future medical research.
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