Tau tangle density

1. Tau tangle density is linked with cognitive function in humans (while correcting for Aβ density).

   “Ex vivo age-cognition associations were mediated by medial and inferior temporal tau tangle density, while correcting for Aβ density.”

   Humanswhile correcting for Aβ densitymedial and inferior temporal loben = 639

   Age-related and amyloid-beta-independent tau deposition and its downstream effects

   Brain : a journal of neurology·Apr 21, 2023

1. Nitrogen dioxide is associated with tau tangle density in humans (mean difference per 5 ppb NO2 = 0.10 tangles/mm2, (95% CI -0.07 to 0.28)).

   “Exposure to PM2.5 and NO2, as measured using Chicago-specific models, were both associated with higher tau tangle density”

   Humansbrainfive years preceding deathn = 909

   Association of Long-Term Air Pollution Exposure with Dementia-Related Neuropathologies at Autopsy in a Community-Based Cohort

   medRxiv·Feb 5, 2026Preprint

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1. Particulate matter is associated with tau tangle density in humans (mean difference per 2.5 μg/m3 PM2.5 = 0.25 tangles/mm2, (95% CI, -0.05 to 0.56)).

   “Exposure to PM2.5 and NO2, as measured using Chicago-specific models, were both associated with higher tau tangle density”

   Humansbrainfive years preceding deathn = 909

   Association of Long-Term Air Pollution Exposure with Dementia-Related Neuropathologies at Autopsy in a Community-Based Cohort

   medRxiv·Feb 5, 2026Preprint

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1. Dietary sodium is associated with tau tangle density in humans among the deceased, compared to the middle sodium intake quintile.

   “Among the deceased, the lowest quintile was associated with higher immunohistochemistry-based tau tangle density, but not with amyloid burden or infarcts.”

   Humansamong the deceased, compared to the middle sodium intake quintilebrainlowest quintilen = 717

   Association of dietary sodium intake with late-life cognitive decline and postmortem neuropathology in community-dwelling older adults

   Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association·Oct 1, 2025

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1. Tau tangle density is associated with olfactory function in humans.

   “τ tangle density, a specific component of AD pathology, was inversely associated with olfactory function”

   HumansAssociation persisted after controlling for mild cognitive impairment syndrome and Lewy body pathology

   Olfactory Dysfunction and Incidence of Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: A Prospective Clinical-Pathologic Study

   Neurology·Oct 15, 2022

1. Cortical clock is associated with tau tangle density in humans (p = 0.003).

   “Cortical age was significantly related to other AD pathology (eg, mean tau tangle density, p = 0.003)”

   Humansdorsolateral prefrontal cortex

   The association of epigenetic clocks in brain tissue with brain pathologies and common aging phenotypes

   Neurobiology of disease·Jun 19, 2021

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