The fight against Alzheimer’s has recently taken a controversial turn. Long-standing theories about its cause are being challenged, leading to heated debates. Now new research points to the possibility that Alzheimer’s is actually a disorder of the immune system.

Critical data may have been fabricated

Recently, the field of Alzheimer’s research witnessed a shock wave. A 2006 research paper published in the acclaimed journal Nature came under scrutiny.

The paper had presented the beta-amyloid protein subtype as Alzheimer’s instigator. But the latest revelations in the magazine Science suggests that this potentially game-changing data may have been fabricated.

In June 2021, the FDA approved aducanumab, a drug designed to target beta-amyloid. This decision added to the controversy because the supporting evidence for its effectiveness was incomplete and inconsistent.

While some doctors insist that it is too early to consider it suitable for use, others argue for giving it a fair chance. This begs the question: why are millions still hanging in the balance waiting for a successful cure for Alzheimer’s?

Prevents the accumulation of beta-amyloid

Over the years, the scientific eye has turned to beta-amyloid, the elusive protein involved in the onset of Alzheimer’s. The primary focus has been to prevent harmful accumulation of this protein in the brain.

Unfortunately, this intense fascination has not exactly been fruitful. In fact, with their laser focus on the beta-amyloid protein, researchers have ignored other viable and potentially enlightening pathways.

Alzheimer’s as an intruder in the immune system

Researchers at Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network in Toronto, has studied Alzheimer’s disease for over three decades. Their results provide a new and surprising perspective on the condition.

“We no longer think of Alzheimer’s as a primary disease of the brain. Rather, we think Alzheimer’s is primarily a disorder of the brain’s immune system,” said Donald Weaver, professor of chemistry at the University Health Network.

Alzheimer’s and the brain’s immune system

The immune system, found in every organ, is made up of cells and molecules that repair damage and fight infection.

This also applies to the brain’s immune system. It is always ready to repair damage or deal with invading bacteria – but this is where problems arise.

Researchers at Krembil Brain Institute suggests that beta-amyloid, often blamed for causing Alzheimer’smay not be harmful in itself.

Instead, they believe it plays a critical role in the brain’s immune system and helps protect against threats.

But while it may be necessary for defense, its actions can sometimes backfire, leading to unintended damage.

Alzheimer’s in the immune system

The new theory suggests that beta-amyloid ends up in a bond. Because of striking similarities between bacterial membranes and brain cell membranes, it cannot distinguish between friend and foe.

In its attempt to protect, beta-amyloid ends up attacking the very brain cells it should be protecting.

This misdirected attack leads to progressive brain cell dysfunction, culminating in dementia. It’s a story about the immune system playing the villain by failing to distinguish between enemy and ally.

Alzheimer’s: An Autoimmune Disease?

Given this perspective, Alzheimer’s disease can be seen under the umbrella of autoimmune diseases where the body stops attacking itself.

Although traditional autoimmune therapies may not work for Alzheimer’s, researchers are hopeful. They believe that focusing on other immunoregulatory pathways in the brain may lead to effective treatment methods.

However, this is not the end of the story. Several equally exciting theories are beginning to emerge.

Some researchers classify Alzheimer’s as a mitochondrial disease, while others attribute the condition to a certain brain infection or abnormal handling of metals in the brain.

A change in perspective

With over 50 million people worldwide affected by dementia, new perspectives and innovative ideas have never been more crucial.

Alzheimer’s is not just a health crisis. It is a ticking socio-economic time bomb that requires a better understanding of its causes – including its possible links to the immune system – and effective treatments.

Scientific data and breakthroughs, while valuable, should not overshadow the human aspect of the disease.

The focus should also remain on improving the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients, easing their challenges and offering emotional and practical help.

It is a call to ensure that research serves the people it is intended to help, to keep their needs and experiences at the forefront.

The study is published in the journal Science.

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