From Our Neurons to Yours Is Alzheimer's an energy crisis in the brain? Inflammation, metabolism and a new path in the search for cures | Kati Andreasson
Dec 18, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Katrin Andreasson, a Stanford physician-scientist specializing in brain inflammation and metabolism, unveils a groundbreaking perspective on Alzheimer's disease. She argues that aging triggers an energy crisis in brain immune cells like microglia, which may contribute significantly to Alzheimer's pathology. Her research suggests that targeting inflammation beyond the brain can restore memory in mouse models. With a focus on new therapeutic strategies and the importance of curiosity-driven science, Andreasson offers fresh hope for Alzheimer’s treatment.
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Plaque Removal Alone Is Underwhelming
- Amyloid-clearing drugs reduce plaques but deliver minimal clinical benefit to patients.
- Katrin Andreasson argues we need alternative approaches beyond the amyloid hypothesis.
NSAID Studies Sparked Her Research
- Early epidemiology showed long-term NSAID users had up to a 25% lower Alzheimer’s risk.
- Katrin Andreasson used those studies as motivation despite initial grant rejections.
Target Downstream, Not The COX Top
- NSAIDs block COX enzymes and reduce prostaglandin production, but they hit multiple prostaglandins.
- Broad COX inhibition causes harmful side effects, so targeted downstream interventions are preferable.