Alzheimer’s Disease and Infectious Causes: The Theory and Evidence (McFarland Health Topics) (Original PDF from Publisher)

Infection and Alzheimer’s Disease: Unveiling a Hidden Link

Amyloid Beta: The Infection-Triggered Culprit

The discovery that amyloid beta protein, the culprit behind Alzheimer’s-associated plaques, is a guardian peptide against infection has sparked a paradigm shift in Alzheimer’s research. It suggests that infection may be an influential player in the disease’s onset and progression.

Brain Infections: A Silent Epidemic

Postmortem examinations of Alzheimer’s patients have revealed a startling presence of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic invaders within the brain. These microscopic infiltrators can trigger a chronic immune response, leading to inflammation and the gradual deterioration of brain cells – hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Sources of Infection: A Multifaceted Assault

The sources of infection in Alzheimer’s disease are as varied as they are insidious. Childhood infections can leave a lingering impact, while gut microbes can exploit aging-related vulnerabilities, such as leaky gut syndrome and compromised blood-brain barrier permeability, to access the brain.

Treating Infection: A Potential Alzheimer’s Cure

The premise that infection contributes to Alzheimer’s disease opens up tantalizing therapeutic possibilities. Research and ongoing clinical trials demonstrate that targeting viral and bacterial infections, while simultaneously restoring gut microbiome harmony, can mitigate disease risk and alleviate symptoms in patients.

Conclusion: Infection – The Overlooked Enigma in Alzheimer’s

This book delves into the unexplored terrain of the human microbiome and its enigmatic role in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. It provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research, highlighting the potential of infection-based interventions to combat this devastating neurodegenerative disorder.