Longevity & AgingETH Zurich Discovers New Alzheimer's Trigger and Compound That Blocks It
Researchers at ETH Zurich identified a new mechanism driving Alzheimer's disease and developed an experimental compound that blocks it. The culprit is an inactive form of a protein called GRK2, which clumps together inside nerve cells, disrupts mitochondria, and ramps up production of amyloid beta — a hallmark of Alzheimer's. This creates a destructive feedback loop accelerating brain cell death. Their compound, called Compound 10, breaks this cycle by preventing GRK2 from forming harmful clusters. In mouse studies, it reduced amyloid buildup, protected nerve cells, extended lifespan, improved heart function, and even reduced age-related graying. The findings were published in Cell Reports Medicine and represent nearly two decades of research.
