CURIOSITY NEVER RETIRES

Welcome to "Granny & Paw Learn Stuff"! We are a pair of very curious grandparents on a mission to explore the world around us and share our discoveries with the next generazioni. Inspired by the insatiable curiosity of Leonardo da Vinci, we made a pact decades ago to never stop learning.

Whether it's unraveling the mysteries of nature, diving into history's greatest innovations, marveling at the world of artificial intelligence, or the beauty of everyday things, we are constantly in awe of the wonders that surround us. And now, we're positively thrilled to invite our family and friends along on our journey of learning.

We’ve always tried to do our best to pass on our passion for curiosity to our children and anyone else who shares our love of discovery. Now it’s the grandkids who are our focus and this is for them. You are welcome to join us as we celebrate the power of asking questions, pursuing knowledge, and embracing the amazing in the ordinary. Let's learn stuff, together! - Granny & Paw

THE MOST RECENT STUFF

2026 • WEEK 35 • AUGUST 23 -AUGUST 29
ALZHEIMER’S MAY BEGIN WITH A MISSING MINERAL

What Happened:
Harvard Medical School researchers may have uncovered a new piece of the Alzheimer’s puzzle: the brain appears to require a tiny, naturally occurring amount of lithium to protect memory and keep its cells functioning normally. The researchers measured 27 metals in donated human brains from people who had normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. Lithium was the only metal significantly reduced in the prefrontal cortex of people with both mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s. Because the shortage appeared during mild impairment, before full Alzheimer’s developed, it may be an early event rather than merely damage left behind by advanced disease. The team also discovered where some of the lithium went: amyloid plaques appeared to trap it. This suggests a destructive loop. Early amyloid deposits capture lithium, leaving less available to protect the surrounding brain. The shortage may then weaken the brain’s ability to clear amyloid, allowing more plaques to accumulate and trap still more lithium. To test whether lithium loss could actually help drive disease, the researchers reduced natural brain lithium by about half in mice. The mice developed more amyloid, abnormal tau, inflammation, damaged connections between brain cells and worsening memory. A special form called lithium orotate prevented or reversed many of these changes and restored memory in mice. Whether it can safely help human beings remains unknown and must be tested in clinical trials. The researchers specifically caution people not to begin taking lithium supplements, which can affect the kidneys and thyroid and may contain uncertain doses.

Why It Matters:
Alzheimer’s begins altering the brain perhaps decades before dementia appears. Identifying an early biological process could eventually lead to earlier detection, prevention or treatment. That will help millions of people, maybe you! — Granny & Paw

Source:
Lithium Deficiency and onset of Alzheimer’s disease

Read the article in Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09335-x?utm

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