Breaking out my Alzheimer's Disease textbook, I came across a whole chapter on the causes of Alzheimer's. Suffice to say, that even with my nursing background, the material is very complex, covering topics such as: Exogenous and Endogenous Toxins, Selective Vulnerability, Genetic Susceptibility, Domoic Acid Poisoning, and Lathyrism and African Konzo.
I won't even begin to interpret the scientific data in this forum. Due to its complexity, however, I can present current theories and research on this complex and confusing issue.
A common microbe spread by coughs and sneezes is being researched as a risk factor in Alzheimer's Disease. Chlamydia pneumoniae has also been linked to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, a major cause of heart attacks.
It has been known for years that an abnormal protein called beta amyloid accumulates in the brains of people with Alzheimer's. It was thought that it took years for the protein to accumulate. However, a scientist was able to form the protein in only a few minutes by adding high doses of Zinc to brain tissue.
Along with the beta amyloid protein that accumulates in the brains of AD victims, a protein called tau also accumulates, and can be seen in the spinal fluid. It is not known if these proteins are a cause of Alzheimer's, or merely a sign that the disease is present.
It is interesting to note that the neurofibrillary tangles that are a hallmark in the brains of those afflicted only accumulate in the areas of the brain that control memory and retention of learned information. These tangles do not affect the parts of the brain that control breathing, heart beat, or other body functions.
Genetics seem to be one of the major factors in the cause of Alzheimer's. There have been several genes identified in recent studies that may have a large impact on whether or not Alzheimer's is developed. A2M is one of the most recent genes identified. The research shows that if this gene is defective, it allows the beta amyloid protein to accumulate which increases the risk of developing AD.
