Right now everyone is at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is the only one of the top ten causes of death in America that cannot be prevented, cured, or slowed down. A new study, published in October, 2015, may hold the key to preventing Alzheimer’s in at least some patients. At this point, what the findings really mean is unknown, but it is clearly worth exploring further.
Fungus May Cause Alzheimer’s
The study was conducted by a group of researchers led by Luis Carrasco of the Autonomous University of Madrid. It was a small study, involving only 25 cadavers, but the results were stunning. Researchers look at the brain tissue of 14 people who had suffered from Alzheimer’s and 11 who had not. The brain tissue of every late Alzheimer’s patient had signs of fungal cells growing in their neurons, while not a single Alzheimer’s-free brain showed signs of infection.
What Does it Mean?
The study could not determine if fungus was the cause of Alzheimer’s disease, or if the disease made the brain more susceptible to infection. There are reasons why either one would make sense.
People with Alzheimer’s’ show signs of infection, such as inflammation, aroused immune system, and blood vessel damage consistent with fungus growing in the vessels. On the other hand, Alzheimer’s’ is believed to compromise the blood-brain barrier which would make the brain more susceptible to fungal infection.
Of course, there is also the possibility of coincidence in such a small study, although with these results it seems unlikely. And, it could simply be that any infection or other insult to the brain makes Alzheimer’s’ more likely.
Although it is not an answer, it is definitely a ray of hope for all of us.
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