Brain Clencher

Human amyloid-beta acts as natural antibiotic in the brains of animal models

A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators provides additional evidence that amyloid-beta protein - which is deposited in the form of beta-amyloid plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease - is a normal part of the innate immune system, the body's first-line defense against infection. Their study published in Science Translational Medicine finds that expression of human amyloid-beta (A-beta) was protective against potentially lethal infections in mice, in roundworms and in cultured human brain cells. The findings may lead to potential new therapeutic strategies and suggest limitations to therapies designed to eliminate amyloid plaques from patient's brains.

Moir adds, "Our findings raise the intriguing possibility that Alzheimer's pathology may arise when the brain perceives itself to be under attack from invading pathogens, although further study will be required to determine whether or not a bona fide infection is involved. It does appear likely that the inflammatory pathways of the innate immune system could be potential treatment targets. If validated, our data also warrant the need for caution with therapies aimed at totally removing beta-amyloid plaques. Amyloid-based therapies aimed at dialing down but not wiping out beta-amyloid in the brain might be a better strategy."

Says Tanzi, "While our data all involve experimental models, the important next step is to search for microbes in the brains of Alzheimer's patients that may have triggered amyloid deposition as a protective response, later leading to nerve cell death and dementia. If we can identify the culprits - be they bacteria, viruses, or yeast - we may be able to therapeutically target them for primary prevention of the disease."

Here's a couple infectious culprits for ya.

Herpes Virus 1.   Already well documented-  found in Alzheimer's plaques.   Effective drugs have existed for decades.

ENDOTOXIN is very common bacterial product that raises beta amyloid production.
AND THE INFECTION DOES NOT NEED TO BE IN THE BRAIN. Just the presence of endotoxin in the bloodstream activates the response.
And a Gluten Free Diet reduces this problem dramatically.

And yes, targeting those two works wonders for dementia.
Been there, done that.