Alzheimer's Disease May Be A Result From Infections

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes memory loss and destroys mental functions. Alzheimer’s disease is a disease that results from the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Symptoms do not happen immediately after brain cells start to die. As the amyloid plaque builds up and neurofibrillary tangles form in the brain, there is a slow decline in cognitive functions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of Dementia. Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 5 million Americans and costs the United States $259 billion a year. These numbers will increase every year. It is of paramount necessity that humans find a cure to this hindering disease.

In a recent study, it was discussed that Alzheimer’s disease may result from infections. It is suggested that amyloid buildup may act as a protective measure when the brain is faced with a new infection. This research was carried out by “infecting brain cells in lab dishes, and worms and mice with bacteria” (Alzheimer's Disease May Result from Brain Infections). The researchers were able to observe how the brain cells respond to the infection and amyloid plaque was built up. It may be that a small amount of the amyloid protein is beneficial to the brain and aiding the brain in fighting an infection.

 

Dr. Sangra Sisodia presented a speech at Loyola University Chicago April 25^th. Sisodia’s speech discussed the importance of treating Alzheimer’s disease with antibody, aducanumb. Aducanumb selectively targets amyloid plaques. This experiment was shown to slow the cognitive decline and reduce amyloid plaques in a dose- and time-dependent manner in the mice given aducanumb. Sisodia also presented the amyloid plaques were significantly reduced in male mice than female mice.

As it might be possible that amyloid plaque buildups are a result from infections, I find it interesting that there is other research surrounding the treatment of amyloid plaques with antibodies.

References:

Latest Alzheimer's Facts and Figures. (2016, March 29). Retrieved May 02, 2017, from 
http://www.alz.org/facts/

Alzheimer's Disease May Result from Brain Infections. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2017, from http://time.com/4349144/alzheimers-disease-infections-brain/?iid=sr-link3

Sevigny, J., Chiao, P., Bussière, T., Weinreb, P. H., Williams, L., Maier, M., … Sandrock, A. (2016). 

The antibody aducanumab reduces Aβ plaques in Alzheimer’s disease. Nature, 537(7618), 50-56. doi:10.1038/nature19323

(2016, September 25). Retrieved May 2, 2017 , from http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2016/09/25/commentary/world-commentary/new-drug-prevent-alzheimers-disease/