A recent study suggests a potential connection between Alzheimer’s disease and the cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the herpes virus family. Researchers believe the virus could play a role in up to 45% of Alzheimer’s cases, providing new insights into the disease’s development and progression.
The research, conducted by scientists in the United States, identifies evidence of HCMV infections in the brains of individuals who had died with Alzheimer’s. The virus, typically dormant in the gut, may remain active in some individuals and travel to the brain via the vagus nerve, a crucial pathway linking the gut and brain. Once in the brain, HCMV could trigger immune responses that contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, two key brain abnormalities associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
“This subtype of Alzheimer’s includes the hallmark amyloid plaques and tau tangles—microscopic brain abnormalities used for diagnosis—and features a distinct biological profile involving the virus, antibodies, and immune cells in the brain,” said Dr. Ben Readhead, an assistant professor at Arizona State University. His team’s findings suggest that the herpes virus could be a critical factor in this particular form of Alzheimer’s.
Post-mortem analysis of Alzheimer’s patients revealed a significantly higher presence of immune cells linked to inflammation compared to those without the disease. The virus was detected not only in the brain but also in the intestines, spinal fluid, and vagus nerve, supporting the theory that HCMV may travel from the gut to the brain.
A New Perspective on Alzheimer’s Development
The study highlights the potential role of chronic HCMV infection in Alzheimer’s disease, a theory that has gained traction with recent findings. HCMV is typically spread through bodily fluids and remains inactive in most people. However, up to 80% of individuals show antibodies for the virus by the age of 80. In the case of Alzheimer’s patients, active HCMV was a prominent feature, strengthening the hypothesis that the virus may trigger the disease.
Dr. Eric Reiman, senior author of the study and executive director of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Arizona, emphasized the significance of these findings. “We’re excited about the possibility of using this research to develop a blood test for chronic intestinal HCMV infections. Such a test could help identify at-risk individuals and potentially lead to antiviral treatments aimed at preventing Alzheimer’s disease,” he said.
As researchers continue to explore this new avenue, the development of targeted treatments for Alzheimer’s could bring hope to those at risk. The discovery also opens doors to a broader understanding of the disease, which has long been considered one of the most complex medical mysteries.
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