Alzheimer Protein Discovered in Newborns

An Alzheimer's-typical protein was found in newborns at significantly higher concentrations than in patients with the disease.

A team from the University of Gothenburg has measured surprisingly high amounts of the protein p-tau in the blood plasma of newborns in a recent study – sometimes up to 20 times more than in Alzheimer's patients. The results challenge previous assumptions about the role of tau proteins, which were previously almost exclusively associated with pathological processes in old age.

Elevated p-tau Levels in Preterm and Full-term Infants

The study included blood samples from 462 individuals, including healthy adults, Alzheimer's patients, as well as preterm and full-term infants. The p-tau levels in newborns were particularly striking: These remained at high levels in preterm infants up to 18 weeks after birth before gradually decreasing to adult levels. In contrast, elevated p-tau levels in older people have so far been considered an indication of progressive dementia.

Protein Also Active in the Healthy Brain?

According to lead author Fernando Gonzalez-Ortiz, the results suggest that P-tau proteins may also have physiological functions in the developing brain. Their high concentration in newborns could play a role in the formation of neuronal networks and synaptic connections – processes that no longer occur to the same extent in adulthood.

Changed Perspective on Alzheimer's Biomarker

The study highlights that the mere detection of a biomarker like p-tau does not necessarily mean a pathological development. Rather, it is important to consider its function in the respective stage of life. Further research is now needed to clarify whether there are long-term connections between early p-tau levels and later neurological diseases.

Source: This article is partially based on information from Focus.it, as of July 14, 2025.

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