"Research on Half a Million Patients Strengthens Viral Connection to Alzheimer's"

A comprehensive study analyzing around 500,000 medical records has found significant links between severe viral infections and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Notably, individuals who had viral encephalitis were 31 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's. The study also highlighted that many of the implicated viruses are neurotrophic and can cross the blood-brain barrier, suggesting that vaccinations for preventable diseases like influenza and shingles could potentially mitigate some risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. While the study does not establish causality, it supports the hypothesis that viral infections and subsequent inflammation in the nervous system may be common risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders.