Researchers at the University of California San Diego have uncovered new insights into one of Alzheimer’s disease’s most puzzling questions: why some older adults remain mentally sharp despite having hallmark brain changes linked to the disease. This condition—known as asymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AsymAD )—has long been observed but poorly understood. Decoding this natural resilience could pave the way for earlier detection and new strategies to prevent memory loss before symptoms begin. The work is published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica Communications.

“Even when the brain shows clear signs of Alzheimer’s, some people stay mentally sharp,” said co-senior author Sushil K. Mahata, Ph.D., adjunct professor of medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and research physiologist at the VA San Diego Healthcare System. “We’re beginning to uncover the brain’s built-in defenses—and that could fundamentally change how we approach treatment.”

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