Reviews:

“[Moore’s] writing is informed by her knowledge of medical literature, but her accessible prose allows any interested patient or caregiver to understand recent advances in various topics. … [She] starts with basic information about Alzheimer’s disease, and includes accessible data on genetic and environmental risk factors implicated in research, but the focus is on infectious causes. …excellent”
—Library Journal

Description:

With the recent discovery that amyloid beta protein, the cause of plaques in Alzheimer’s disease, is an antimicrobial peptide produced in response to infection, many researchers are focusing on the role infection plays in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Brain studies have also identified a number of different viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa in the postmortem brain specimens of Alzheimer’s patients.

Infection (particularly chronic, latent and persistent infections) causes an immune response that leads to inflammation and brain cell degeneration, which are characteristic features of Alzheimer’s disease. Sources of infection in Alzheimer’s disease vary from childhood infections to gut microbes that find their way into the brain as a result of aging, leaky gut syndrome, and increased permeability of the blood brain barrier. Studies and ongoing clinical trials show that treatment of viral and bacterial infections, as well as restoring a healthy balance to the gut microbiome, can reduce disease risk and improve symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This book serves as an introduction to the human microbiome and the role that infection plays in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Contents:

Acknowledgments

Preface

Introduction

One: The Mystery of the Mind and Consciousness

Two: Infection as a Primary Cause

Three: Microorganisms and the Microbiome

Four: The Immune System, Neurodegeneration and the Blood-Brain Barrier

Five: Stages and Pathology of the Disease

Six: Herpes Viruses

Seven: Other Associated Viruses and the Prion Connection

Eight: Bacterial Infections

Nine: Fungal and Protozoan Infections

Ten: Risk Factors

Eleven: Genetic Influences

Twelve: Risk Reduction and Therapies

Bibliography

Index

About the Author:

Elaine A. Moore has  worked in hospital laboratories for more than 30 years, primarily in immunohematology and toxicology. She is a freelance medical writer and laboratory consultant. She lives in Sedalia, Colorado.

Target Audience:

This book will be of interest to patient or caregiver to understand recent advances in Alzheimer’s Disease.