One fundamental feature of neurodegenerative diseases is a breakdown in communication. Even before brain cells die, the delicate machinery that keeps neurons in touch—by clearing away protein waste at the synapses—starts to fail.

When the cleanup falters, the connections between brain cells are impaired and the flow of signals responsible for reasoning, language, memory, and even basic bodily functions are progressively disrupted.

Now, a new study identifies a novel strategy for preventing unwanted proteins from clogging synapses and ultimately congealing into protein plaques.