Alzheimer's Disease: 500,000 Medical Records Link Viruses, Strengthening the Illness' Causal Relation With Pathogens [Study]

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia and is notoriously known for its brain-deteriorating effects like memory loss and impaired thinking to a person who has it. It is a neurodegenerative progressive disease that mostly affects old people, but can also occur in younger ones, depending on multiple factors like lifestyle and genetics.

Alzheimer's has long been thought of as a chronic and non-infectious illness, meaning it is not like other diseases or pathogen-caused viral infections like COVID-19, pneumonia, colds, and the flu. However, studies in recent years show a plausible linkage between the mind-robbing disease and pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

Now, a study of around 500,000 medical records supports previous evidence and reinforces the notion that viruses are also behind the severe mental condition, it was reported in early January 2024. The researchers found that the mentioned records suggest viral infections like encephalitis and pneumonia increase the risk of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative illnesses such as Parkinson's disease.

Viruses Behind Alzheimer's Disease

(Photo : Photo by CDC on Unsplash)

Data analysis from a biobank consisting medical records of nearly 500,000 individuals from the United Kingdom links viruses to Alzheimer's disease multiple times, according to a study published in the journal Neuron.

Based on the analysis, approximately 80% of the identified viruses in brain diseases were considered as neurotrophic, meaning the pathogens can cross the blood-brain barrier.

A related study was published on The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association in December 2023, after researchers found that the common stomach bug or gut bacteria increase the risk of Alzheimer's by 10% among older adults.

Also Read: People Exposed to Air Pollution More Likely to Develop Alzheimer's, Other Neurodegenerative Disorders

What are the 5 Main Causes of Alzheimer's?

Conventional medicine tells us that the cause of Alzheimer's disease is related to several factors and none of them are significantly connected with pathogens. After all, this type of dementia is often viewed as something that develops inside rather than being acquired externally.

According to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), the following are the five main causes of Alzheimer's under the context that it is still unknown what triggers the condition:

•  Age
•  Family history
•  Down's syndrome
•  Head injuries
•  Cardiovascular disease

In fact, the causes mentioned by the NHS are only factors known to increasing the risk of brain-deteriorating disease. This is because scientists and health authorities until now have no absolute evidence as to what specifically leads to Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's Symptoms and Treatment

Currently, there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, early detection of its symptoms can lead to the necessary medical care and treatment to manage the condition.

According to the non-profit charity organization Alzheimer's Association, some of the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's and dementia are the following:

•  Disruptive memory loss
•  Deteriorating problem-solving or planning skills
•  Difficulty in completing familiar tasks
•  Confusion with time or place
•  Decreased visual and spatial awareness
•  Problems with written or verbal language
•  Decreased or poor judgment

Related Article: Stomach Bug Blamed for Increased Risk of Alzheimer's Disease by Over 10% Among Older Adults [Study]