The fight against Alzheimer’s disease has been controversial recently. Long-held theories about its causes are being called into question, sparking intense debate.
Now, new research suggests that Alzheimer’s disease may actually be an immune system disease.
Important data may have been fabricated
Recently, there has been a shockwave in the field of Alzheimer’s disease research. 2006 research papers published in highly regarded journals natureis undergoing new scrutiny.
This paper showed a subtype of beta-amyloid protein as an inducer of Alzheimer’s disease. However, what was recently revealed in a magazine is that science This suggests that potentially game-changing data may have been fabricated.
In June 2021, the FDA approved aducanumab, a drug designed to target beta-amyloid. This decision was even more controversial because the evidence supporting its effectiveness was incomplete and inconsistent.
Some doctors say it’s too early to say it’s suitable for use, but others support a fair review.
A question arises here. Why are millions of people still waiting for a successful treatment for Alzheimer’s disease?
Prevents beta amyloid accumulation
For many years, scientific attention has focused on beta-amyloid, an elusive protein thought to be involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
The main focus was on preventing the harmful accumulation of this protein in the brain.
Unfortunately, this intense attraction did not always bear fruit. In fact, by focusing on the beta-amyloid protein, scientists may have ignored other viable and potentially enlightening avenues.
Understanding beta amyloid
Beta amyloid is a naturally occurring protein in the brain that helps nerve cells communicate. Think of it as a messenger to keep your brain functioning smoothly.
But problems occur when beta amyloid builds up and begins to clump together, forming sticky plaques between nerve cells.
These plaques can interfere with brain cells communicating and cause problems with memory and thinking.
Most scientists believe that when excess beta-amyloid forms these plaques, it sets off a chain reaction that damages and ultimately kills brain cells.
This is why researchers have been so focused in recent decades on finding ways to reduce beta-amyloid levels in the brain. They hoped to slow or even stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
immune system invaders
Researchers at the Krembil Brain Institute University Health Network The Toronto doctors have been studying Alzheimer’s disease for more than 30 years. Their findings provide a fresh and surprising perspective on this condition.
“We no longer think of Alzheimer’s disease primarily as a disease of the brain. Rather, we believe that Alzheimer’s disease is primarily a disorder of the immune system within the brain,” said U.S. Chemistry Professor. Donald Weaver explained. University Health Network.
Alzheimer’s disease and the brain’s immune system
The immune system is located in every organ and is made up of cells and molecules that repair injury and fight infections.
This also applies to the brain’s immune system. We are always ready to repair injuries or fight off invading germs, but here comes the problem.
researchers Krembil Brain Research Institute Beta amyloid, often blamed for causing Alzheimer’s disease, suggests it may not be harmful in itself.
Rather, they believe it plays an important role in the brain’s immune system, helping protect against threats.
However, while they may be necessary for protection, their actions can backfire and cause unintended harm.
A new theory suggests beta amyloid is in trouble. The membranes of bacteria and brain cells are strikingly similar, making it impossible to tell friend from foe.
Beta amyloid attacks the very brain cells it is trying to protect.
This mistaken attack leads to progressive loss of brain cell function and eventually causes dementia. This is a story where we can’t tell the difference between friend and foe, and our immune system plays the villain.
Alzheimer’s disease: an autoimmune disease?
From this perspective, Alzheimer’s disease can be considered to fall under the umbrella of autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks itself.
Traditional autoimmune therapies may not work against Alzheimer’s disease, but researchers are hopeful.
They believe that focusing on other immunoregulatory pathways in the brain may lead to effective therapeutic approaches.
But this is not the end of the story. Some equally interesting theories are beginning to emerge.
Some researchers classify Alzheimer’s disease as a mitochondrial disease, while others attribute the condition to certain brain infections or abnormal handling of metals in the brain.
change of perspective
With dementia affecting more than 50 million people worldwide, fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are more important than ever.
Alzheimer’s disease is more than just a health crisis. This is a socio-economic time bomb that requires a better understanding of its causes and effective treatments, including possible links to the immune system.
While scientific data and breakthroughs are valuable, they should not overshadow the human aspects of this disease.
We must also maintain a focus on improving the quality of life, alleviating challenges, and providing emotional and practical support for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
It is essential that research serves the people it seeks to help and keeps their needs and experiences at the forefront.
The research will be published in a journal science.
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