The Role of Infection in Alzheimer’s Disease Development: Uncovering the Connection

By Elaine A. Moore

The recent breakthrough discovery that amyloid beta protein, the primary cause of plaques in Alzheimer’s disease, is an antimicrobial peptide produced in response to infection has sparked a surge of interest among researchers. They are now focusing on the crucial role infection plays in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Presence of Microorganisms in Alzheimer’s Patients’ Brains

Brain studies have identified a plethora of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, in post-mortem brain specimens of Alzheimer’s patients. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the disease.

Infection and the Immune Response: A Key Contributor to Alzheimer’s Disease

Infection, particularly chronic, latent, and persistent infections, triggers an immune response that leads to inflammation and brain cell degeneration. These characteristic features of Alzheimer’s disease are well-documented.

Sources of Infection in Alzheimer’s Disease

The sources of infection in Alzheimer’s disease vary widely, ranging from childhood infections to gut microbes that penetrate the brain due to aging, leaky gut syndrome, and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier.

Treatment and Prevention: Restoring Balance to the Gut Microbiome

Studies and ongoing clinical trials have demonstrated that treating viral and bacterial infections, as well as restoring a healthy balance to the gut microbiome, can reduce disease risk and improve symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

This book serves as a comprehensive introduction to the human microbiome and the critical role that infection plays in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Product Details

Published by McFarland on April 2, 2020, this 232-page paperback is written in English and suitable for readers 18 years and up. The book’s ISBN-10 is 1476678618, and the ISBN-13 is 978-1476678610.