New Study Shows Common Viruses in Dormant Neurons Could be Responsible for Causing Alzheimer's Disease

Common viruses, such as the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV), dormant in neurons could be causing inflammation and accumulation of proteins in the brain related to Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study. Laboratory models on the human brain shows that activation or re-infection of VZV could cause neuroinflammation and awaken HSV, leading to the mental disorder.

Previous anecdotal evidence and scientific research suggest that the disease is mainly caused by factors relating to the aging of the brain, unhealthy lifestyle choices, faulty genes, and other environmental factors that affects the brain. Amidst the conventional knowledge, experts claim that the Alzheimer's disease is not a natural part of aging.

If proven, the new research based in the United States will be amongst the first to explore the potential link between the pathogenic viruses and brain-deteriorating condition. In addition, the potentially ground-breaking discovery could open avenue of advanced, integrated research between the fields of virology and medicine.

In recent years, Alzheimer's has affected millions of people not only in the US but also across the world. Affecting the daily lives of afflicted patients, the neurological disorder is notoriously known for causing memory loss and degradation of cognitive functions, including rational thinking and decision-making.

Are Common Viruses to Blame?

In the new paper published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease on Tuesday, August 2, researchers from the Tufts University in Massachusetts claims they have potentially found the potential mystery that causes the degenerative neurological condition.

Using a three-dimensional (3D) human tissue culture model, the researchers used a method to mimic the brain. The result yielded that VZV, which frequently causes chickenpox and the painful rash shingles could activate HSV, which could set the motion for the onset of Alzheimer's disease, as summarized by Science Daily.

The research team re-created environments similar to the brain, encapsulated in a small donut-shaped sponges made from collagen and silk protein. The team then populated the sponges with so-called 'neural stem cells' that can grow and function similar to the natural neurons.

They found the common viruses could grow and infect the neural stem cells.

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states Alzheimer's disease is considered to be the most common type of dementia; a progressive disease which starts with mild memory loss and potentially leads to loss of conversation skills and environmental response.

The US health body points out the disease affects the part of the brain responsible for language, memory, and thought, affecting not only the personal lives of its victims but also social and work life.

In the US, the CDC estimates approximately 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer's disease in 2020. While individuals aged 65 years and higher frequently acquires the disorder, younger people are also susceptible but it is less common.

The current figure is reportedly expected to nearly triple to 14 million cases by the year 2060. Symptoms of the disease can first appear after the age of 60 and becomes more evidence as the years progresses.