Have you ever started down a road only to discover that you’re not really headed where you thought you were going? At one point, Alzheimer’s scientists set out to search for potential drug targets for this terrible disease. Somewhere along the research road, they unexpectedly turned a corner and landed themselves somewhere completely different than originally intended. Instead of a drug discovery, they published data suggesting that Alzheimer’s is linked to viruses in the brain. After studying the brains of 876 deceased patients (some healthy and some with Alzheimer’s), they ended up going in a completely different direction than drug development. Wow, what an unexpected turn that was!
Exactly how did they get there? They began with DNA and RNA searches looking for patterns in these brains that might explain what was occurring at the genetic and molecular level. They knew that DNA searches might reveal hereditary markers that predisposed the patient to the disease. They also knew that RNA searches might reveal which genes were turned up or down, on or off, leading to the disease. They were surprised when the DNA and RNA patterns pointed towards viruses. HHV-6A and HHV-7 arose from the cloud of data. These viruses were producing more DNA and RNA in the brains affected by Alzheimer’s. These viruses are both known to be sources of common childhood viral illness.
This data was not enough to convict these otherwise common childhood viruses of leading to the adult disease of Alzheimer’s. So, the researchers took the next step and examined whether the metabolic processes of these viruses might be connected to the metabolic processes of Alzheimer’s patients (processes discovered in previous research). To their surprise, many connections were found further implicating these viral infections as culprits in the origin of the disease.
Researchers quickly pointed out that this proves nothing – just yet. At best, it appears that some people are genetically predisposed to respond to the viruses in such a way that leads to Alzheimer’s. They urge that we don’t need to consider the disease to be communicable like the common cold. Instead, we need more research to understand how such triggers interact with genetic predispositions. Understanding mechanisms may lead to both prevention and treatment.
So, who should you fear more, a virus or a scientist? In this case, the scientist. You see, these researchers admit that they are taking a chance with publishing such findings – findings which many of their colleagues doubt or disparage. Going against the established medical world (which denies that Alzheimer’s disease may be triggered by infections) can get researchers in hot water. I am thankful that they took the risk. Such boldness whether in research or in Functional Medicine (where we put such findings to quick use for patients) leads many patients toward healthier more abundant lives as they are restored even from the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease. The Functional MD led team at Sanctuary loves being a part of that process.
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.