
07/25/2025
I told you if you CONTROL the INFLAMMATION in your body you CONTROL the DISEASE it’s just as simple as that!
Scientists find iron overload destroys microglia, worsening alzheimer’s and dementia through deadly cell death.
A groundbreaking new study has revealed a hidden culprit in Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia that could completely change how we tackle these devastating conditions. Researchers have discovered that microglia—the brain’s tiny immune cells that act like a cleanup crew—are being wiped out by a special kind of cell death called ferroptosis, which is caused by iron overload. This is huge because microglia are essential for keeping our brains healthy. They clear away damaged cells and debris, respond to injuries, and help keep brain wiring intact.
The problem starts when the protective myelin coating around nerve fibers breaks down. This myelin is loaded with iron, and as it crumbles, microglia rush in to clean up. But by absorbing all that iron-rich junk, they end up poisoning themselves. The study, led by scientists at Oregon Health & Science University, showed that this iron buildup triggers ferroptosis, causing microglia to die off. Without enough microglia, the brain loses a key line of defense, making it even more vulnerable to damage and cognitive decline.
These insights were made possible by innovative imaging techniques that highlighted iron’s toxic effects on microglia in brain tissue from Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Researchers believe that blocking ferroptosis could protect microglia, slowing or even preventing brain deterioration. It’s a discovery that might finally give us a new angle on treating or delaying Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia—offering hope where little existed before.
RESEARCH PAPER 📄
PMID: 37605362
PMCID: PMC10840747