http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24910016
The conclusion of the study is that 'IB* consisting of CMV, HSV-1, B. burgdorferi, C. pneumoniae and H. pylori is associated with AD. This study supports the role of infection/inflammation in the etiopathogenesis of AD.'
*IB: 'Infectious Burden' (the burden of previous infections by the viruses and bacteria mentioned)
This particularly interests me because my wife's dementia followed a long period, maybe 15 years, when she more or less constantly suffered from debilitating infections (I know that she tested positive for, amongst many viruses, CMV and HIV-1 and B. burgdorferi - which she has never been tested for - causes Lyme Disease which may be relevant in S's case see this). I suspect others will be interested for similar reasons.
I've previously seen it suggested that repeated infections might lay the groundwork, so to speak, for Alzheimer's but, for us, this conclusion takes things to a new level and might put a number of jigsaw pieces together - for what that's worth at this stage.
My grandmother was recently diagnosed with dementia, and we're trying to find out the best way to help her through this right. We're all very concerned for her well-being, and we don't know what to do. If you had any suggestion, that would be extremely helpful.
ReplyDeleteSara Welsh | http://www.altaridge.com
I think everyone finds this a real challenge. This best source of help I know is the Alzheimer's Society website and in particular the Talking Points forum. You can easily browse it but the best thing is to join so that you can post and start threads of your own:
Deletehttp://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/forum.php
Take care.