Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Quantitative 3D In Silico Modeling q3DISM of Cerebral Amyloid-beta Phagocytosis in Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease
09:33

Quantitative 3D In Silico Modeling q3DISM of Cerebral Amyloid-beta Phagocytosis in Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease

Published on: December 26, 2016

8.3K

Associations of Infectious Agents with Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ya-Nan Ou1, Jun-Xia Zhu2, Xiao-He Hou1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.

Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|April 14, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Infectious agents like Chlamydia pneumoniae and various herpesviruses are linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This meta-analysis provides evidence supporting the role of infections in AD development, warranting further research into preventative treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The potential role of infectious agents in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis remains a subject of ongoing scientific debate.
  • Despite extensive research, definitive conclusions regarding the association between specific infections and AD risk have been elusive.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively investigate and quantify the association between various infectious agents and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
  • To synthesize existing evidence through a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the link between infections and AD.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies.
  • A random-effects meta-analysis was performed on data from 47 case-control studies involving 108,723 participants and 4,039 AD cases.
  • Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots to ensure the robustness of the findings.

Main Results:

  • Meta-analysis revealed significant associations between specific infections and an elevated risk of AD.
  • Infections linked to higher AD risk include Chlamydia pneumoniae (OR: 4.39), Human herpesvirus-6 (OR: 3.97), Epstein-Barr virus (OR: 1.45), Herpes simplex virus-1 (OR: 1.34), and the Herpesviridae family (OR: 1.41).
  • No significant evidence of publication bias was detected, strengthening the reliability of the results.

Conclusions:

  • The findings provide robust evidence supporting the hypothesis that infections may play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
  • Further research is essential to explore the potential of anti-infective strategies for the prevention of AD.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseChlamydia pneumoniaeHerpesviridaeinfectiousmeta-analysis

More Related Videos

Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy to Study Microglial Interactions with β-Amyloid Plaques10:52

Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy to Study Microglial Interactions with β-Amyloid Plaques

Published on: June 1, 2016

11.8K
Intracerebroventricular Injection of Amyloid-β Peptides in Normal Mice to Acutely Induce Alzheimer-like Cognitive Deficits08:01

Intracerebroventricular Injection of Amyloid-β Peptides in Normal Mice to Acutely Induce Alzheimer-like Cognitive Deficits

Published on: March 16, 2016

44.0K

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
1.5K
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
691
Amyloid Fibrils03:03

Amyloid Fibrils

Amyloid fibrils are aggregates of misfolded proteins.  Under most circumstances, misfolded proteins are either refolded by chaperone proteins or degraded by the proteasome. However, in the case of a mutation or a disease, these proteins can accumulate to form large clusters and often further assemble to form elongated fibers, called fibrils. 
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen.   In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining,...
11.5K
Dementia01:30

Dementia

Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
455