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2. June 2025
Alzheimer’s disease begins in the brain long before any symptoms appear. Researchers involved in the InterTAU project are therefore studying key molecules involved in the early development of the disease – with a special focus on tau protein – and looking for ways to slow or delay its progression. In recent years, lifestyle and diet have emerged as important factors, which is exactly the topic of this 3× WHY mini-interview with researcher Jozef Hritz from CEITEC Masaryk University, coordinator of two EU-funded international projects – InterTAU and ADDIT-CE.
Why might diet matter not only for those already affected by neurodegeneration, but also for those looking to protect their brain in advance?
Because the processes associated with neurodegeneration begin in the brain decades before any clinical symptoms appear. Research suggests that a healthy lifestyle – including diverse, plant-oriented diet rich in antioxidants and low in saturated fats – may slow or delay the onset of certain types of brain damage. Simply put: what we do for our brain at thirty may shape how it functions at seventy.
Why is there increasing focus on tau protein in Alzheimer’s research?
While beta-amyloid has long been considered the main “culprit” behind Alzheimer’s disease, more and more studies point to tau protein – specifically its accumulation and misfolding in neurons – as closely linked to neuron loss and symptom severity. That’s why our InterTAU project focuses on tau protein and its role in the early development of the disease, especially in patients with a genetic predisposition. Interestingly, some studies suggest that lifestyle factors – including diet – may influence the biological processes involved in tau pathology.
Why do some scientists studying Alzheimer’s disease decide to limit or eliminate meat from their diets?
When you spend your days researching how diet and inflammation affect the brain, it becomes hard not to think about it while grocery shopping or ordering lunch. Some scientists instinctively adjust their eating habits – for example, reducing red meat, which has been linked to increased systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and a higher risk of vascular and neurodegenerative diseases. It’s not a universal rule, but for many, it’s a conscious decision informed by what they see daily in the scientific data.
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