Scientists have discovered a new way to detect Alzheimer’s disease by studying how the brain’s oxygen supply and nerve activity interact.
A study found that people with Alzheimer’s have a significantly higher resting breathing rate—about 17 breaths per minute compared to 13 in healthy individuals. This surprising discovery suggests that breathing patterns could serve as an early warning sign of the disease, possibly linked to brain inflammation.
Led by researchers at Lancaster University, the study focused on the neurovascular unit (NVU), a system that ensures the brain gets enough oxygen and nutrients. The NVU consists of blood vessels, brain cells called astrocytes, and neurons working together to maintain brain function. To analyze how this system is affected by Alzheimer’s, researchers used a non-invasive approach, measuring brain electrical activity, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing patterns. Participants wore electrical and optical probes on their scalp, an ECG measured heart activity, and a chest belt monitored breathing.
By studying these physiological rhythms, researchers discovered that Alzheimer’s patients showed weaker coordination between brain signals and oxygen flow, indicating poor blood supply regulation. This breakdown in neurovascular function could contribute to brain degeneration seen in Alzheimer’s. Using mathematical models, scientists analyzed the “power” and “phase coherence” of these biological rhythms, revealing clear differences between healthy individuals and those with Alzheimer’s.
The study suggests that Alzheimer’s may not just be a brain disorder but also a vascular one, where blood flow issues play a key role in disease progression. Since drug trials targeting brain proteins have shown limited success, scientists believe focusing on the vascular system and NVU could lead to more effective treatments.
This method is simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive, making it a promising tool for early detection. Researchers are now exploring ways to turn these findings into a widely available test, possibly through a spin-off company. If further studies confirm these results, monitoring breathing patterns and neurovascular function could revolutionize Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment.
