HCMV: The Hidden Gut Virus That May Drive Alzheimer's Development

The Gist: Researchers discovered that a common gut virus (HCMV) may travel through the vagus nerve to the brain, potentially triggering Alzheimer's disease in some people.

Scientists at Arizona State University made an important discovery about Alzheimer's disease. They found that a common virus called cytomegalovirus (HCMV), which lives in many people's intestines, might be responsible for some cases of Alzheimer's. The virus can travel from the gut to the brain through a nerve highway called the vagus nerve. Once in the brain, it triggers inflammation and changes that look like Alzheimer's.

The really interesting part is that this might affect 25-45% of people with Alzheimer's. While most people have this virus and it's usually harmless, in some individuals it becomes chronically active in the gut and causes problems. The good news is that researchers are working on a blood test to identify people with active HCMV infections, and existing antiviral medications might help treat or prevent this type of Alzheimer's.

Implications:

• This discovery could lead to new ways to prevent and treat Alzheimer's using antiviral drugs
• It suggests that gut health plays a bigger role in brain health than previously thought
• The findings might explain why some people develop Alzheimer's while others don't
• It opens up possibilities for early intervention before brain changes occur
• The research supports the growing evidence of gut-brain connection in neurological diseases

Read more: https://neurosciencenews.com/hcmv-virus-alzheimers-28281/