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Published on: December 26, 2016
Is Alzheimer's an Autoimmune Disease?
Betsi Reinoso Corrada1, Robert C Speth2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328, USA.
Alzheimer's disease may involve autoimmune processes, not just neurodegeneration. This review examines evidence for and against the autoimmune hypothesis and its therapeutic implications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by cognitive decline.
- Key pathologies include amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (hyperphosphorylated tau).
- Emerging evidence suggests some AD variants may have autoimmune origins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate evidence supporting the autoimmune hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease.
- To examine evidence challenging the autoimmune hypothesis.
- To explore the implications of the autoimmune hypothesis for future Alzheimer's disease therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research.
- Analysis of clinical evidence.
- Evaluation of pathological findings.
Main Results:
- Evidence supporting the autoimmune hypothesis is presented.
- Evidence challenging the autoimmune hypothesis is discussed.
- Potential therapeutic strategies based on the autoimmune model are explored.
Conclusions:
- The role of autoimmune processes in Alzheimer's disease requires further investigation.
- Understanding the autoimmune component could lead to novel therapeutic approaches.
- This review provides a framework for future research into AD etiology and treatment.
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