Lifelong heat exposure as a potential contributor to Alzheimer's disease resilience
Abstract
A recent case study reported a PSEN2 mutation carrier with high amyloid burden but unexpectedly restricted tau pathology and preserved cognition. While genetic and proteomic factors were explored, the patient's lifelong occupational heat exposure may represent an overlooked contributor to resilience. We highlight evidence from preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies suggesting that elevated body temperature promotes tau clearance via enhanced proteostasis. This observation invites deeper investigation into thermoregulation as a modifiable factor in tau homeostasis and Alzheimer's disease vulnerability, with implications for both biomarker interpretation and therapeutic strategies targeting tau-mediated neurodegeneration.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Alzheimer's disease research and treatments
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research
Genetics
Aging
and Longevity in Model Organisms
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Alzheimer s Disease
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Volume
- 111
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 541–544
- Publication date
- 18 March 2026
- Language
- EN