There’s never been a more exciting time in the world of Alzheimer’s research than now, and new developments seem to be springing up each time we turn around. The latest data is likely to create a big leap forward in the crusade for a cure: the correlation between Alzheimer’s disease and the body’s natural immune response to infections.
While researchers have been working to connect the dots between the beta amyloid protein and Alzheimer’s disease, the most recent twist in the puzzle comes from the discovery that this protein is displaying the ability to fight off infections in mice. Some drug trials have tried to get rid of this bacteria-fighting protein, which could be dangerous if beta amyloid works similarly in humans.
If this thesis is correct, it follows that Alzheimer’s disease is probably sparked by an over-reactive immune response to a pathogen, causing a senior's brain to be overloaded with issues that it cannot handle.
While the findings are inconclusive, they match up with what we already know about the importance of proper sleep, exercise and a healthy diet, now showing that they could even potentially prevent Alzheimer’s. This research marks the way forward for other potential treatment options, such as inflammatory reduction medications and vaccines.
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