The Glymphatic System: The Key to Understanding and Preventing Neurodegenerative Disease
Weekly Book Recommendation:
“Boost your immune system and help prevent virtually every major medical condition - including cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, GI issues, and obesity - by keeping your lymph system healthy”
Research Article of the Week:
“A significantly higher risk of acute myocardial infarction was observed during the two weeks following spring or autumn daylight saving time transitions.”
Daylight Saving Time and Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis - PMC
Wellness Product of the Week:
The fabric industry runs rampant with carcinogenic chemical adulterations. The team at The Woolshire creates pillows that are handmade in northern Idaho using local Northwest wool which has been cleaned and carded without the use of chemicals.
I'm not being paid to promote this pillow, I simply believe it's a great option for those who want an un-dyed cotton alternative, from the USA (certified organic through the USDA). I truly recommend replacing your synthetic fibers, with natural fabrics, especially with where you lay your head 8+ hours each night.
Use code “RootCause” for 15% off: https://thewoolshire.com/
Introducing the Glymphatic System
The glymphatic system is a recently discovered waste clearance system in the brain that is believed to play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the brain.
This system consists of 3 functional compartments, each facilitating movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) in the brain.
Due to the similarities in function, the glymphatic system has been described as the central nervous system’s analogue to the lymphatic system. It works by allowing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flow through the brain's extracellular space and remove waste products. This process is largely driven by the movement of CSF and the activity of glial cells, which are specialized cells in the brain and spinal cord that support and protect nerve cells.1
The glymphatic system can clear potassium, waste metabolites such as lactate, and peptides/proteins including amyloid-β and tau, along with a variety of contrast agents and tracers.
Although it has been described predominantly as “the brain’s waste clearance system”, the role of the glymphatic system in brain function extends beyond waste clearance alone.
Neurodegenerative Disease
Impaired glymphatic clearance has been linked in a wide variety of neurological diseases, from stroke and traumatic brain injury to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Amyloid-beta and tau protein aggregations are heavily associated with Alzheimer’s disease, creating plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain that lead to brain degradation. 2
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Rooted In Health to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.