Is Alzheimer’s an infectious disease?
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects more than five million Americans, but the cause of it is still somewhat of a mystery. Now, a new theory has emerged—is the disease caused by bacteria, virus, fungus or a parasite?
That’s the question posed by Leslie Norins, PhD, a physician turned publisher, NPR reported. The theory has actually been around for a while but hasn’t gained much traction. Norins, however, believes the disease is characteristic of an infectious process, he told NPR, and hopes that some of the millions of dollars in funding that has been spent on Alzheimer’s disease research could explore this possibility.
Norins launched Alzheimer’s Germ Quest Inc. in 2017, a public benefit corporation that hopes to drive interest in the germ theory. The question of the cause of the disease could lead to new breakthroughs in treatment in the future.
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Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."