For a while now it has become clear to some scientists that the prevailing view of Alzheimer's disease (buildup in the brain of 2 substances: amyloid and tau) isn't correct. Instead, some researchers feel that there is growing evidence that viruses are implicated as a cause of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., vascular dementia, ALS, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis).
A recent study linked 22 viruses to the development of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., vascular dementia, ALS, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis) within 15 years. The strongest association was for viral encephalitis and later developing Alzheimer’s disease. Influenza with pneumonia was associated with 5 neurodegenerative diseases.
The researchers also found a link between infection with Epstein Barr and later developing multiple sclerosis (this confirmed other recent research).
Other studies find that vaccinations (influenza, pneumonia, shingles) are associated with lower rates of Alzheimer's disease. This has also been found with antivirals (e.g., for herpes simplex).
From Science Alert: A Study of 500,000 Medical Records Links Viruses to Alzheimer's Again And Again
A study of around 500,000 medical records suggested that severe viral infections like encephalitis and pneumonia increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. ...continue reading "Study Finds Link Between Viruses and Alzheimer’s Disease"