Study of 500K Medical Records Linked viral encephalitis with Alzheimer's
8 hours ago
- #medical research
- #neurodegenerative diseases
- #viral infections
- Severe viral infections like encephalitis and pneumonia increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
- 22 connections were found between viral infections and neurodegenerative conditions in a study of 450,000 people.
- Viral encephalitis patients were 31 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
- Flu-related pneumonia increased susceptibility to Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, and ALS.
- Intestinal infections, meningitis, and varicella-zoster virus were linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
- Viral infections' impact on the brain could persist for up to 15 years.
- 80% of implicated viruses are 'neurotrophic,' meaning they can cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Vaccines for some viruses (flu, shingles, pneumonia) may reduce neurodegenerative disease risk.
- Epstein-Barr virus was linked to a 32-fold increased risk of multiple sclerosis in a 2022 study.
- The study used a data science approach to analyze medical records systematically.
- Findings suggest viral infections and inflammation may be avoidable risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders.