Gaby
The cold virus that many people catch during childhood often remains in the body for life, lying dormant in the nerves. Researchers have discovered that this same virus, known as herpes simplex virus type 1, may play a crucial role in the development of a serious illness—Alzheimer’s disease.
This was shared by Ruth Itzhaki, an honorary professor of molecular neurobiology at the University of Manchester and a visiting research fellow at the University of Oxford.
More than 30 years ago, Professor Itzhaki’s team made a remarkable discovery: they found that the herpes virus could be present in the brains of older adults.
For the first time, scientists learned that the virus could quietly reside in the brain, which had long been considered completely free of microbes and protected by the so-called blood-brain barrier.
What else have scientists discovered?
Then, Ms. Itzhaki and her colleagues uncovered something even more astonishing. People who carried a specific version of the APOE-e4 gene, which is linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, and who were infected with the herpes virus, had a significantly higher risk of developing this condition.
The team studied brain cells infected with the virus. They produced the same abnormal proteins (amyloid and tau) that are found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers believe that the virus remains dormant in the body for many years. When the immune system weakens, it can penetrate the brain and reactivate. When this happens, it damages brain cells and triggers inflammation, as reported by Science Alert.
Over time, repeated flare-ups can gradually cause damage that leads to Alzheimer’s disease.
According to Professor Itzhaki, other researchers have also found that severe infections, particularly those caused by the herpes virus, are strong predictors of Alzheimer’s disease. To reduce the risk of developing the disease, specific antiviral treatment is necessary.
What about other dormant viruses?
Professor Itzhaki’s team didn’t stop there. The scientists were curious whether other dormant viruses in the body could have similar effects, such as the one responsible for chickenpox and shingles.
By examining the medical records of hundreds of thousands of Britons, researchers noticed something significant. Individuals who had shingles had a slightly higher risk of developing dementia. However, those who received the shingles vaccine had a reduced likelihood of developing dementia.
This confirmed a long-held hypothesis among scientists that preventing the most common infections could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
In summary, Professor Ruth Itzhaki noted that the herpes virus could be an important factor contributing to Alzheimer’s disease, especially for individuals with certain genetic risk factors. According to the researcher, her team’s findings open the door to developing new preventive measures that could keep the virus from waking up and harming the brain.
