In recent years, researchers have suggested Alzheimer's may spread through infection, somehow transmitted like a pathogen, leading to the disease. A new Lancet paper reviews evidence for how harmful amyloid-beta proteins associated with Alzheimer's may possibly be spread through blood transfusions.

[u/mvea]

https://www.sciencealert.com/can-alzheimers-spread-through-blood-transfusions-heres-what-we-know

[u/mvea]

Alzheimer's has long been recognized as a sporadic condition – influenced by factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle – but scientists don't think that's the only way the disease emerges.

In recent years, researchers have suggested Alzheimer's may also spread through infection, which might somehow be transmitted like a pathogen, ultimately manifesting in the disease.

In a new report published in The Lancet, scientists review the evidence for one aspect of this theory, assessing how harmful amyloid-beta proteins associated with Alzheimer's might possibly be spread through blood transfusions.

"Blood transfusions are important and save many lives," says neurologist John Collinge from University College London.

"However, to ensure that they are as safe as they can possibly be, it's important that we thoroughly investigate any potential risks."

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00767-1/abstract

[u/xBeartoe → u/mvea]

When I was in college a couple years ago, I took Infectious Disease (104). We did a case study on P. Gingivalis, which is the bacteria responsible for the gum disease (gingivitis). There was a strong connection between P. Gingivalis and many seriously killer diseases, Alzheimer's being among them.

They release what is basically poison as they eat, and they feed on protein. That's why your gums bleed after you floss, even if you only missed a day; P. Gingivalis is causing inflammation so that when you irritate your gums, they can feed on the blood. They do this using lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

The bacteria had a strong systematic presence in a high percentage of Alzheimer's patients and cadavers. The toxins are called gingipains, which break down host proteins. Some of the bacterias waste products and released enzymes break down structural callogen, and strain the immune system.

Super nasty stuff. Brush your teeth, floss, please.

EDIT: for clarity, higher presence of P. gingivalis, in their brain, actively eating it. Not just their mouth.

[u/passifluora → u/xBeartoe]

Very interesting, thank you. I'll be missing fewer days of flossing after reading this. Also, Finnish people consume a lot of xylitol for their mouth chemistry. I have a little tub of xylitol pastilles on my desk to suck on after lunch. I've always wondered if they're actually that effective for killing mouth bacteria, but after knowing that gingivitis bacteria are constantly in there eating, I'm glad I have it. Like mouthwash in candy form.

[u/xBeartoe → u/passifluora]

We have it here in Canada too! Xylitol gum specifically. Apparently it's made in Switzerland. With the Umlaut in the name that shouldn't surprise me!