Researchers at Japan’s National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology discovered that tau protein buildup in progressive supranuclear palsy affects cognitive brain networks beyond where the protein accumulates. The study examined 37 PSP patients using tau PET imaging combined with brain connectivity mapping.
The research identified a shared neural circuit—termed the “PSP-tau network”—connecting tau-affected deep brain regions to distant cortical areas involved in executive functions. These cortical regions include the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula, and parietal cortex.
Key findings showed that connection strength between tau deposits and this network correlated with cognitive impairment severity, while deep brain tau correlated with motor symptoms. This suggests different mechanisms underlie cognitive versus motor symptoms in PSP.
Dr. Toshiyuki Hirabayashi stated: “Our study began with a clinical question that could not be answered by looking only at where tau accumulates.”
The findings suggest tau pathology impairs cognition through disrupted brain circuits, not merely through localized damage. This network-based approach may have implications for understanding other tau-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, and could support earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.
Journal: Science Advances
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aed0348
Article Title: Remote Network for Cognitive Symptoms Derived from Tau Accumulation in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Publication Date: July 10, 2026
Source: EurekAlert