Cancer may trigger unexpected defense against Alzheimer’s disease, researchers say

Puzzling cancer and Alzheimer’s link explored in new study: ‘SHORT QUOTE’

A new study may help clarify a long-observed link betweencancer historyand reduced Alzheimer’s risk.

The research, published in the journal Cell, used mouse models to explore how the biological changes associated with cancer may affect the progression of the most common dementia type.

The findings suggest thatcertain cancersrelease a protein called cystatin-C that can travel through the bloodstream and enter the brain, an area that many Alzheimer’s treatments have difficulty reaching.

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Cystatin-C binds to harmful amyloid protein clumps linked to Alzheimer’s and activates a protein called TREM2, which acts like an on-switch for the brain’s immune cells. 

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When activated, those cells begin clearing away existing amyloid plaques, a process that was associated with reduced plaque buildup andimproved cognitive function, the study found.

New research suggests that cancer-related biological changes may help explain why a history of cancer is linked to lower Alzheimer’s risk.(iStock)

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develop Alzheimer’s disease, and people with Alzheimer’s are less likely to develop cancer,” said Arnot, who was not involved in the study.

Cystatin-C sticks to harmful amyloid clumps and turns on brain immune cells, helping them clear plaques and improve brain function.(iStock)

The findings suggest that biological signals tied to certain cancers may slow or reverse key features of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s treatments.

“This approach targets existing amyloid plaques, not just early prevention.That distinction could be critical for patients who already have established disease,” he said.

The results suggest that cancer-related biological signals may help slow or even reverse some core aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.(iStock)

Arnot cautioned that the findings do not mean cancer itself is protective.

“This study does not suggest that cancer is protective, desirable or a viable therapy,” he said.“Instead, it reveals that biological programs activated during cancer can inadvertently engage protectiveimmune mechanismsin the brain.”

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The research suggests that future treatments could focus not just on slowing Alzheimer’s, but also on clearing harmful buildup in the brain, Arnot added.

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The results were based on experiments in animal models, andfurther researchis needed to determine whether the same effects occur in humans, the researchers noted.