Might Alzheimer's involve an infection-leading to inflammation?

With the disappointing results regarding medications to reduce the levels of protein build-up involved with Alzheimer's dementia there has been a renewed interest in the question of whether an underlying infection is causing the excess inflammation. The protein build-up may be an immune reaction that normally may help fight infection but in Alzheimer's dementia builds up to damaging levels. Read more: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/09/09/645629133/infectious-theory-of-alzheimers-disease-draws-fresh-interest?

Strategies to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation (previous post with a summary of possible strategies that may help) are still likely to be helpful but if infection is involved an antiviral or antibiotic may also be helpful, especially if used ten or twenty years prior to when more obvious symptoms occur - so research scientists also look for low cost, low risk screening methods to help identify people with early stages such as the excess protein build-up.

million + search results for more reading on what is known about amyloid beta protein and it's role against infection: intracellular infectious pathogen amyloid beta protein

/Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes./