Read the latest aging and Alzheimer's news from NIA

Looking for the latest updates on COVID-19? Visit www.coronavirus.gov to learn how to prepare and protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick. Check out these articles for the latest in aging advances and research happening at the National Institute on Aging at NIH: Repurposed drug helps obese mice lose weight, improve metabolic function — NIA scientists investigated treatment with disulfiram, normally prescribed to treat alcohol use disorder. In this study, disulfiram normalized body weight and reversed metabolic damage in obese middle-aged mice. APOE ε2 gene variant packs protective punch against Alzheimer’s disease — A study supported in part by NIA found that the APOE ε2 variant appears to lower risk for Alzheimer’s, and having two copies of this variant may lower risk even more than previously thought. Alzheimer’s APOE4 gene contributes to blood-brain barrier breakdown — Study found that individuals with the APOE4 gene had increased breakdown of the blood-brain barrier in two areas of the brain that are important for memory and cognition. Mutations in complex mitochondrial DNA sequences may impact age-related conditions and genetic diseases — Scientists from the NIA Intramural Research Program found that mutations within the genomes of mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, could be culprits in genetic diseases, cancer, and aging. Dr. Felipe Sierra, NIA Division of Aging Biology Director, retires — Felipe Sierra, Ph.D., an international advocate for growing the field of geroscience, retired from federal service on April 30, 2020 after leading the Division of Aging Biology for 14 years. Read more of the latest National Institute on Aging research news at the NIA newsroom. Share this information on social media: Visit the NIA newsroom for more press releases, featured research, and announcements here: https://bit.ly/2Xmx6xZ