Microbes And Alzheimers Disease

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Currently scientist and doctors are working together to build a bridge between the potential connection that is associated with microbes and Alzheimers disease. At this moment, there is no cure for this irreversible, progressive brain disorder. This disorder slowly destroys the memorys ability to retain and remember information as well as thinking skills, and eventually as it progresses it affects the ability for patients to carry out simple tasks. However, research is currently being conducted to help us better understand the possible contributions microbes can offer to this degenerative disease.

Introduction

Alzheimers disease is one of the leading causes of behavioral and cognitive impairment in todays society. This progressive disease destroys areas of important mental function such as, memory and thinking skills. Many patients often report their first symptoms around their mid-60s. Alzheimers disease is the most common cause of dementia among aging adults. Currently there is no adequate clinical treatment or cure for this disease. However, results gathered from a recent genome-wide associate study indicated that a considerable portion of Alzheimers relevant gene signals are in fact not located within the gene coding regions. This suggest that the contribution of the epigenetic or environmental factors to Alzheimer disease are a risk. The potential contribution that is currently being recognized is understanding how pathogenic microbes are associated to both aging and Alzheimers disease. With the use of new sequencing and bioinformatic technologies for interrogating the genetics of complex microbial communities and microbial-host interactions we have been able to make great strides in this area of research. Important changes that have been recognized in Alzheimers disease include inflammation, immunological aberrations, brain cell atrophy, amyloid genesis, altered gene expression, and cognitive deficits. These symptoms have also been associated as a consequence of microbial infection. In fact, various viruses and other microbes are often present in the brain of elderly people, these microbes while normally dormant can reactivate with stress and immunosuppression. However, scientist and researchers debate on whether or not these microbes are simply opportunistic infections linked with an aging mind. Or whether they are contributing to the progression and decline of the central nervous system that in turn is leading to the development of Alzheimers disease. In this paper we will review some of the more recent studies conducted relating microbes and the potential contributions that these pathogens have on neurological dysfunction, while specifically aiming to target Alzheimers disease connections.

Discussion

At this point there is one major question we have to answer, and that is, how broad is the range of pathogens that can be linked to Alzheimers disease and are they simply opportunist infections of a degenerating brain? Alzheimers disease has been associated with a prominent inflammatory component characteristic of infection. There are multiple infectious agents that scientist have proposed to be the etiological cause of Alzheimers. Nonetheless, from what Ive seen there seems to be a connection between microbes and Alzheimers disease. However, with the limited amount of definitive studies produced. I can only presume that either Alzheimers patients are particularly subjected to fungal infections for an unknown reason. Or conversely, it also seems possible that the infections being produced are the cause of Alzheimers disease or at the minimum a contributor to its etiology. At this point in time I dont think there is enough research or studies being produced to lead us to an absolute answer.

Conclusion

Furthermore, at this point there seems to be no definitive answer on whether or not these microbes are the cause of neurodegeneration that in turn is leading to Alzheimers disease. However, there is defiantly a connection with increased microbes located in those who are suffering from Alzheimers disease. Hopefully with more research in the coming years we will be able to create a more definitive correspondence and help clarify this possibility.

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