Core Insights - Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally and a major factor in long-term disability, with its rising incidence closely linked to population aging [3] - Post-Stroke Emotional Disorder (PSED) significantly impacts patient recovery and quality of life, increasing the risk of stroke recurrence and mortality [3] Research Findings - A study published in the journal Neuron identified the role of Lcn2 from neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the development of PSED, highlighting the interaction between the peripheral immune system and the central nervous system [4] - The research indicates that NETs in serum are a significant feature of PSED, controlled by the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) [6][7] - The study suggests that the release of Lcn2 protein from NETs promotes the proliferation of astrocytes, which is a core mechanism of PSED [6][7] - Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can alleviate PSED by reducing the release of Lcn2 [6][7] Implications - The findings illustrate a unique peripheral-central immune interaction pattern following BBB damage, emphasizing the potential of non-invasive stimulation in reshaping the neuroimmune environment [9]

Core Viewpoint - Recent research indicates that elderly cats can develop dementia-like symptoms similar to human Alzheimer's disease, with the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques in their brains [2][6][21]. Group 1: Research Findings - A study published in the European Journal of Neuroscience found that elderly cats exhibit amyloid beta accumulation in their brains, which may lead to dementia-like behaviors [2][4]. - The research team analyzed the brains of 25 cats, including 18 elderly cats, and found that all elderly cats had higher levels of amyloid beta compared to younger cats [7][9]. - The study revealed that both microglia and astrocytes, immune cells in the brain, were overactive in elderly cats, indicating a response to the presence of amyloid beta plaques [13][19]. Group 2: Implications for Alzheimer's Research - The similarities in brain pathology between cats with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) and human Alzheimer's disease suggest that cats could serve as a natural model for studying Alzheimer's [21][24]. - The findings support the idea that CDS in cats may provide insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and potential therapeutic targets [25][28]. - Future research aims to explore additional Alzheimer's-related biomarkers, such as tau protein accumulation, in cats [27].