New research is raising concerns about how the brain stores and uses sugar. Scientists have found that when glycogen — the brain’s backup form of sugar — isn’t broken down properly, it may contribute to brain damage. This buildup could be a hidden trigger behind the toxic protein clumps seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
The discovery began with fruit flies genetically altered to mimic Alzheimer’s. These flies had shorter lifespans and brain damage, but when researchers activated an enzyme that broke down glycogen, the flies lived longer and showed signs of brain recovery. The same results were seen in human nerve cells with Alzheimer’s-linked mutations.
Experts believe this could lead to a new wave of treatments focused on how the brain processes sugar. Instead of just drugs, future therapies might include diet-based changes. While more human studies are needed, researchers are hopeful this could offer a fresh approach to fighting a disease that affects over 7 million Americans.
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