Alzheimer's Disease Research News

Cold sore virus linked to Alzheimer's disease

The cold sore virus (HSV1) has been implicated in almost 60% of Alzheimer's disease cases studied by researchers at the University of Manchester.

December 10, 2008
Researchers at the University of Manchester, England have discovered that the virus that causes cold sores may be a key factor in developing Alzheimer's disease.

The findings, which were released earlier this week, have implicated the common cold sore virus (HSV1) in almost 60% of the Alzheimer's cases they studied. This finding could significantly affect both understandings and therapeutic treatments of the degenerative condition which affects millions of people worldwide.

The results are particularly encouraging as cheap antiviral drugs which can control HSV1 infections, such as Zovirax, have been available as over the counter medications for a number of years. If further studies confirm that the HSV1 infection is a major contributor to the development of Alzheimer's, such antiviral medications could prove to be effective in stopping the progressive development of the disease.

The research team have identified the HSV1 DNA in protein plaques of almost 60% of the Alzheimer's cases they studied. Additionally, the team, lead by Professor Itzhaki, have discovered that the HSV1 infection can enhance the formation of beta amyloid plaques, after studying the effects of laboratory grown cell cultures.

When dormant, the HSV1 infection hides in the peripheral nervous system. The infection periodically becomes active in around 40% of carriers, causing cold sores around the mouth. The researchers believe that the HSV1 infection might enter the CNS and become active as sufferers age, and the immune system becomes unable to contain the virus. This could then hasten the build up of beta amyloid, thus resulting in the early stages of Alzheimer's. However, the researchers make a point in noting that not every person who contracts the HSV1 infection will go on to develop Alzheimer's. They consider the role of the infection to be an additional contributory factor, along with genetic components and natural degeneration.

The research team hope to continue their study in order to determine whether the infection contributes most to plaque formation in its active phase or latent phase. If it is confirmed that the active phase is responsible, the researchers are hopeful that anti-viral treatments may slow the progression of plaque formation. It is already known that antiviral treatments are effective in the treatment of other neurological infections caused by the herpes virus, such as herpes simples encephalitis.

Source: Neuroscience News

Author: Victoria Driscoll

The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life, 4th Edition

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