Uncovering the Link Between Brain Pathobiome, Infections, and Metabolic Health in Alzheimer's Development
New research suggests that the development of a pathobiome in the brain could be a contributing factor in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Brain samples from Alzheimer's-affected individuals showed significantly different bacterial profiles compared to non-affected individuals, indicating that specific bacterial sets in the brain could be predictors of the disease. These unique bacterial profiles were also found in brains affected by ALS, suggesting potential implications for other neurological disorders. The findings challenge the long-held "amyloid cascade hypothesis" and support a new "pathogen hypothesis" that focuses on bacterial, fungal, and viral factors in Alzheimer's development. Further research is needed to understand the role of the brain microbiome and its impact on neurodegenerative diseases.