New Evidence that Viruses May Play a Role.

PositionALZHEIMER'S DISEASE - Herpes viruses

Analysis of large data sets from post-mortem brain samples of people with and without Alzheimer's disease has revealed new evidence that viral species, particularly herpes viruses, may have a role in Alzheimer's disease biology. Researchers made the discovery by harnessing data from brain banks and cohort studies participating in the Accelerating Medicines Partnership-Alzheimer's Disease consortium.

Reporting in the journal Neuron, the authors emphasize that their findings do not prove that the viruses cause the onset or progression of Alzheimer's. Rather, the findings show viral DNA sequences and activation of biological networks--the interrelated systems of DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites--may interact with molecular, genetic, and clinical aspects of Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out simple tasks. More evidence is accumulating to indicate that this loss of cognitive functioning is a mix of many different disease processes in the brain, rather than just one, such as buildup of amyloid or tau proteins. Identifying links to viruses may help researchers learn more about the complicated biological interactions involved in Alzheimer's, and potentially lead to new treatment strategies.

The research group, which included specialists from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount...

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