Alzheimer’s disease has long been a topic of debate, with recent years seeing significant controversies over research findings and treatment approvals. The current pursuit of a cure is becoming increasingly competitive, yet researchers still seem to be stuck in an intellectual rut.
For decades, scientists have focused on preventing the formation of brain-damaging beta-amyloid clumps, but this approach has not translated into a useful drug or therapy. A new theory from the Krembil Brain Institute suggests that Alzheimer’s is primarily a disorder of the immune system within the brain. According to this model, beta-amyloid is not an abnormally produced protein, but rather a normally occurring molecule that plays a key role in the brain’s immune response.
When brain trauma or bacteria are present, beta-amyloid contributes to the comprehensive immune response, mistakenly attacking healthy brain cells and leading to chronic loss of function. This scenario presents Alzheimer’s as an autoimmune disease, where autoantibodies misdirected at brain cells culminate in dementia.
While conventional therapies have not proven effective against Alzheimer’s, targeting other immune-regulating pathways may lead to new treatment approaches. Other theories propose that Alzheimer’s is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction or abnormal handling of metals within the brain.
Dementia affects over 50 million people worldwide, with a significant impact on public health and healthcare systems. It’s crucial for innovative ideas and fresh directions to develop a better understanding of Alzheimer’s causes and treatment options.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/alzheimers-may-not-actually-be-a-brain-disease-reveals-expert