.jpg)
Xenon, an inert gas, has been used in the medical field since the 1950s as an anesthetic. Over time, its applications expanded to include the treatment of brain injuries, and clinical trials are currently underway to explore its potential for treating mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
A study conducted by a team from the University of Washington and Brigham and Women's Hospital, published on Science Alert, focused on examining xenon’s ability to address brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. These changes include the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins, as well as the deterioration of neural connections responsible for thinking, feeling, movement, and memory.
Inflammation is another prominent feature of Alzheimer’s disease, representing an abnormal immune response that can lead to the destruction of healthy neurons. While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s remains unclear, the buildup of amyloid protein is believed to be the primary driver of these brain changes.
In this study, xenon was administered to mice with brain changes similar to those seen in Alzheimer's patients. The results showed that xenon stimulated microglial cells, aiding in the removal of amyloid deposits and reducing inflammation. Additionally, the study observed improvements in the support of neural connections and less shrinkage in brain volume.
These findings suggest that inhaling xenon may enhance the brain's ability to repair damage caused by Alzheimer's, including reducing amyloid buildup and brain inflammation. This opens new avenues for potential treatments for this complex disease. While current medications are limited to slowing the progression of the disease, xenon could represent a step toward more effective future treatments.