Blood-brain barrier loses protective supply before leaking in Alzheimer's mice

Alzheimer’s-model mice lost some protective protein delivery before their blood-brain barrier physically broke down, according to Gladstone researchers.

The barrier separates blood from brain tissue. APOA1 entry into the central nervous system was reported in 2014; the new work maps destinations and disease-related changes.

Increasing liver production of APOA1 reduced disease signs in the experimental mice. This suggests a possible treatment route starting outside the brain.

The findings are preclinical. They offer researchers a mechanism to investigate, not a therapy available to patients.

Study published: November 11, 2026.