New thesis explores why Alzheimer’s Disease affects women and men differently
Why do women and men develop Alzheimer’s disease differently? In her thesis, Aphrodite Demetriou, PhD student the Division of Neurogeriatrics, NVS, explores how sex hormones, particularly estrogen, may influence the development of the disease. Using both animal models and miniature human brain models grown from stem cells, she has uncovered new insights that could contribute to more personalised treatments for Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
What is the main focus of your thesis?
”My thesis investigates why Alzheimer’s disease affects women and men differently, with a particular focus on the role of sex hormones and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). Using both mouse models and human stem cell-derived brain organoids, I explored how hormone signaling may influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease and protect the brain”, says Aphrodite Demetriou, PhD student at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society.
Which are the most important results?
”We found that activating a specific receptor for estrogen, called estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), could reduce signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain and improve memory in mice. We also showed that the influence of sex hormones on the disease is complex and can change depending on sex, age and how far the disease has progressed. Finally, we developed a miniature human brain-like model grown from stem cells that shows several early features of Alzheimer’s disease, allowing us to study how the disease develops in human cells”.
How can this new knowledge contribute to the improvement of people’s health?
”Understanding how sex hormones influence Alzheimer’s disease may help explain some of the differences in disease risk and progression between women and men. In the longer term, this knowledge could contribute to the development of more personalized treatments and help identify new therapeutic strategies that target estrogen receptor signaling”.
What’s in the future for you? Will you continue to conduct research?
”I would like to continue conducting research, particularly using human stem cell-based models to better understand neurodegenerative diseases. My goal is to build on what I have learned during my PhD and contribute to research that can bridge the gap between discoveries in the laboratory and new therapeutic approaches for patients”.