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With the recent discovery that amyloid beta protein, the cause of plaques in Alzheimer's disease, is an antimicrobial peptide produced in response to infection, many researchers are focusing on the role infection plays in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Brain studies have also identified a number of different viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa in the postmortem brain specimens of Alzheimer's patients.
Infection (particularly chronic, latent and persistent infections) causes an immune response that leads to inflammation and brain cell degeneration, which are characteristic features of Alzheimer's disease. Sources of infection in Alzheimer's disease vary from childhood infections to gut microbes that find their way into the brain as a result of aging, leaky gut syndrome, and increased permeability of the blood brain barrier. Studies and ongoing clinical trials show that treatment of viral and bacterial infections, as well as restoring a healthy balance to the gut microbiome, can reduce disease risk and improve symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This book serves as an introduction to the human microbiome and the role that infection plays in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
List of contents
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
One-The Mystery of the Mind and Consciousness
Two-Infection as a Primary Cause
Three-Microorganisms and the Microbiome
Four-The Immune System, Neurodegeneration and the Blood-Brain Barrier
Five-Stages and Pathology of the Disease
Six-Herpes Viruses
Seven-Other Associated Viruses and the Prion Connection
Eight-Bacterial Infections
Nine-Fungal and Protozoan Infections
Ten-Risk Factors
Eleven-Genetic Influences
Twelve-Risk Reduction and Therapies
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Elaine A. Moore has worked in hospital laboratories for more than 30 years, primarily in immunohematology and toxicology. She is a freelance medical writer and laboratory consultant. For more information, visit her website at www.elaine-moore.com. She lives in Sedalia, Colorado.
