Viral Infection Might Be a Trigger for Alzheimer Disease

Human herpesvirus-6A, in particular, shows a strong association with amyloid depositions in the brain.

Ultimately, nearly all humans are infected with herpes viruses and develop chronic, lifelong brain infections. Although these infections generally are latent, viruses can reactivate periodically, and reactivation of one virus can reactivate other brain herpes viruses. Three reports suggest that this viral activity might be one cause of Alzheimer disease (AD).

In one study, postmortem brains from more than 1000 patients with AD, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), or healthy aging were studied. The investigators found high levels of viral DNA and viral RNA (indicative of active infection) — particularly for human herpesviruses (HHV)-6A and 7 (and, to a lesser extent, herpes simplex virus [HSV] 1) — in AD brains but not in PSP or healthy-agi…

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Viral Infection Might Be a Trigger for Alzheimer Disease

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Reviewing Author