Impaired functioning of the brain's clearance system could be involved in various neurodegenerative diseases
A study from the University of Barcelona suggests that the brain's waste-clearance system, known as the glymphatic system, may function poorly in patients with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. Researchers found an accumulation of 'wasteosomes' in these patients, which could be a target for future medical treatments.
Why it matters
Understanding the mechanics of brain waste removal could lead to breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies for currently incurable neurodegenerative conditions.
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Potential links among chronic glymphatic insufficiency, wasteosomes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Credit: Acta Neuropathologica Communications (2026). DOI: 10.1186/s40478-026-02362-3 A study conducted by the University of Barcelona provides new evidence on the role of the glymphatic system, which clears waste from the brain, in neurodegenerative diseases. The study shows that patients with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exhibit a higher accumulation of wasteosomes, small structures that act as waste containers, in key regions of the waste-clearance system.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in