Common virus could be behind Alzheimer’s in some people, scientists say
Share:
Herpes virus may linger in gut and travel to brain via vagus nerve to cause a type of Alzheimer’s. A chronic gut infection caused by a common virus may be linked to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, a new study has found. Cytomegalovirus, or HCMV, is one of nine herpes viruses that most people are exposed to in the first few decades of life. Unlike most herpes viruses, however, it is not considered to be sexually transmitted.
Researchers at Arizona University in the US found the virus may linger in the gut and travel to the brain via the vagus nerve that connects the two. Once there, it may trigger immune system changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
“We think we found a biologically unique subtype of Alzheimer’s that may affect 25-45 per cent of people with this disease,” the study’s co-author, Ben Readhead, said. If the findings are validated by further research, existing antiviral drugs could be tested to treat or prevent this form of Alzheimer’s disease. This can be supported by a blood test currently in development to identify patients with an active HCMV infection.
“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 of virus, antibodies and immune cells in the brain,” Dr Readhead said.
