Infectious hypothesis of Alzheimer disease

[摘要] Alzheimer disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, accounting for almost 70% of all dementia cases, and is one of the fastest growing healthcare price burdens. Pathologically, AD is characterized by the presence of beta amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of aggregated microtubule associated protein tau. Clinically, AD manifests as progressive cognitive decline and worsening memory deficits [1]. The traditional hypothesis on the progression of AD pathologies states that Aβ plaques appear first, causing hyperphosphorylation of tau, leading to tangles and neurodegeneration. However, with the continued failure of clinical trials aimed at decreasing Aβ plaques, this hypothesis has come under scrutiny while alternative hypotheses are being investigated. One of the more controversial emerging hypotheses is the infectious hypothesis.

[学科分类] 土木及结构工程学