Massachusetts General Hospital

Brain Supernova submitted by Molly Healey | Here we can see Alzheimer's disease, showing amyloid plaques (white) and reactive astrocytes (red) around them. Amyloid plaques are misfolded proteins that form between nerve cells and are thought to play a central role in Alzheimer's disease. Mass General Research Institute researchers aim to better understand how the brain reacts to the plaques through reactive astrocytes becoming present. The astrocytes are thought to help with regeneration and healing. Molly Healey is a research technician in the lab of Alberto Serrano-Pozo, MD, PhD, in the Neurology Department at Mass General. Their team's research focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease through studies using postmortem patient samples. Their studies highlight the complex nature of astrocyte and microglial responses in the disease. Ongoing work investigates the role of genetics and triggers in glial phenotypes and neuroinflammation. #AlzheimersMonth

Just 1-2 workouts a week can cut your dementia risk by 13%. Mass General expert Shaan Khurshid, MD, MPH, spoke more about this with Everyday Health. https://spklr.io/6046xkns #AlzheimersMonth

Human Stem Cell-derived Neurons In Vitro by Farimah Mapar, PhD | Here we can see neurons that were created from stem cells. The Mass General Research Institute researchers are exploring the creation of neurons with stem cells with the hope that understanding the functionality of these neurons in vitro could lead to their potential application in restoring neuronal circuits in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. In other words, they hope to one day be able to replace damaged neurons with ones created through stem cells. Dr. Mapar was a graduate student at the Weiss Lab for Synthetic Biology. #AlzheimersMonth

Morning commute! ?? #MassGeneralMonday ??: Phill J Fernandes

Early signs of Alzheimer's disease, like memory loss, confusion, and mood changes, can be subtle but significant. Learn more about this disease and as a system, Mass General Brigham will continue to work toward breakthroughs in treatment and care. https://spklr.io/6049xVuh #EndAlz #AlzheimersAwareness

A Path Paved with Gemstones | Submitted by Fleur Lobo, PhD from the Zhang Lab In this photo, we can see a section of a brain with Alzheimer's. When someone suffers from Alzheimer's, their brain cells start to die and their memory and other important mental functions deteriorate over time. This is a process called neurodegeneration. Right now, over 6.7 million Americans are suffering from this disease, and in this photo, we can see a protein called Tau (magenta) that actually helps protect against the process of neurodegeneration. Researchers like Dr. Lobo from the Mass General Research Institute Zhang Lab are currently investigating how small molecules in our brains interact with this protective protein Tau, and how it can help us prevent Alzheimer's in the future. #AlzheimersMonth

We proudly recognize and celebrate the brave people who have served in the armed forces—both past and present. We are especially grateful for the veterans and military family members within our system who bring their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence into everything they do. We honor your service, sacrifice, and the many ways you continue to make a difference in our communities and workplaces. #VeteransMonth

We’re pleased to announce that more than 80 researchers across the Mass General Brigham system have been named to the annual Highly Cited Researchers 2024 list from Clarivate. See the full list: https://spklr.io/6042xkmj

Preventing heart attacks starts with a heart-healthy lifestyle and regular checkups. Know your risk factors—family history, cholesterol, blood pressure and more. https://spklr.io/6041x6PJ

David Roach, MD, infectious diseases specialist, has developed a low-cost way to track antibiotic-resistant infections. The impact could be global. https://spklr.io/6046xB84