Research published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia – The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, has suggested that a common herpes virus that can cause a chronic gut infection is linked to changes in the immune system seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers in the US found that the virus, which is found in most people but usually does no harm, can enter an ‘active state’ and trigger a specific type of immune response which has been linked to Alzheimer’s.
Dr Sheona Scales, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, says:
“This study adds to our growing understanding of the important role our immune system plays in the development of Alzheimer’s. If scientists can better understand differences in the immune system in people with Alzheimer’s, they could explore new therapies that target these processes, including the possibility of using anti-viral medicines.”
You can read the study here: https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/alz.14401