(NaturalHealth365)  Western medicine often overlooks how pathogens may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia.  In fact, a study published in the journal Medical Principles and Practice highlighted this issue, shedding light on how various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, could play a role in the development and progression of these health issues.

Despite inflammation in the brain being recognized as a factor in Alzheimer’s disease, the specific involvement of pathogens like Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Borrelia burgdorferi, herpes simplex virus 1, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus is not commonly discussed in Western medical discourse.  This omission might stem from the conventional focus on genetic and lifestyle factors in neurodegenerative diseases.

However, emerging research suggests that infections, particularly chronic ones, could significantly contribute to triggering and exacerbating the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease.  In fact, studies are showing up to 95 percent of the American population has been infected by a disease that could eventually result in Alzheimer’s.

Could pathogens be responsible for the Alzheimer’s epidemic?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the causes of mononucleosis, commonly known as the ‘kissing disease,’ alongside Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).  While the symptoms of mononucleosis typically subside after a few weeks or months, research published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that both CMV and EBV may silently contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

In a human study, CMV antibody levels showed a significantly higher association with neurofibrillary tangles, commonly known as the primary markers for the disease.  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CMV is in a person’s body for life once it is contracted.  Among every 100 adults in the United States, 50 to 80 percent are infected by the age of 40.

Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 proven to induce neurodegeneration

Several studies indicate that neuronal infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) causes biochemical alterations reminiscent of Alzheimer’s disease.  HSV-1 is known for causing cold sores and fever blisters, while HSV-2 is known for genital herpes.

The Journal of Neurovirology reported data that demonstrated HSV-1 infection induces early upstream events in the neuronal cells that eventually lead to amyloid-ß deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation – suggesting it is a possible risk for Alzheimer’s.  Oxidative damage is also one of the earliest problems associated with dementia, and evidence published in PLoS One suggested HSV-1 and oxidative damage interact to promote neurodegeneration events.

The Neurobiology of Aging journal also reported that HSV-2 infection leads to all major pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.  Scientists proved that HSV-2 strongly alters the tau phosphorylation state, amyloid-ß precursor protein, and autophagy process in human neuroblastoma cells, leading to the appearance of Alzheimer’s disease-like neurodegeneration markers.

The ‘chickenpox virus’ infects the central nervous system

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) usually manifests itself as chickenpox (varicella) in children, which then becomes latent in most people’s cranial and spinal ganglia neurons.  The elderly and those with a compromised immune system may reactivate the virus to produce shingles (zoster).

According to the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, VZV can infect a wide variety of cell types in the central and peripheral nervous system, which explains the virus’ diversity of clinical disorders, including its contribution to Alzheimer’s.

Epstein-Barr is a risk factor for cognitive weakening and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common viruses and is better known for mononucleosis than CMV.  Symptoms include that of the common cold: sore throat, swollen lymph glands, headache, fatigue, and fever.

According to the CDC, 95 percent of adults are inflicted with the virus by the age of 40.  And, while the virus does become dormant, the Neurobiology of Aging journal did detect a high percentage of Alzheimer’s patients with EBV.

Bottom line:  With approximately 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s dementia and numbers growing, annihilation of the condition is necessary and possible, with the help of an experienced holistic healthcare provider.

Clearly, data proves that viruses do contribute to the condition, with more evidence pointing to poor nutritional intake and deficiencies – which make matters worse.   It’s important to include a healthy lifestyle, especially an organic and nutrient-dense diet that feeds the brain for protection   And, of course, avoid as many environmental toxins as possible.

Editor’s note: Discover the best strategies to avoid and reverse the signs of dementia, own the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Summit created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
Journals.lww.com
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CDC.gov
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PLOS.org
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CDC.gov