Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood by scientists, but a glimmer of hope has appeared in the scientific community. Conducted studies confirmed that doctors now have a chance to prevent or predict this common disease among the elderly.
An increased concentration of herpes viruses HHV-6A and HHV-7 is believed by scientists to be the primary cause of Alzheimer’s disease. The published results of the study in the journal Neuron were immediately criticized by other scholars. The media accused the researchers of unreliable results.
In a group of 1000 people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, only 30% of patients showed an increased concentration of herpes viruses HHV-6A and HHV-7.
Alzheimer’s Disease
The connection with viral etiology is insufficient at 30% of the sample. To be confident in positive research results, a 51% threshold is required. Moreover, scientists concealed that healthy individuals, not affected by Alzheimer’s disease, also show elevated levels of herpes viruses HHV-6A and HHV-7. Professor of genetics at University College London, John Hardy, recommends continuing research and not rushing to conclusions.
Alzheimer’s disease is a condition affecting people over 60 years old. Basic symptoms include short-term memory impairment, long-term memory loss, speech disturbances, and disorientation in space. As it progresses, the disease leads to death. Currently, it is considered incurable. Even though in 2016, Israeli researchers managed to cure mice with symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
