Infection, systemic inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease

Microbes Infect. 2015 Aug;17(8):549-56. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2015.04.004. Epub 2015 Apr 22.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia among elderly. Yet, its etiology remains largely unclear. In this review, we summarize studies that associate systemic infection and neuroinflammation with AD, while highlighting that early-life or life-long exposure to infectious agents predisposes one to develop AD at a later age.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Environment; Infection; Inflammation; Risk factors; Sporadic.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / complications
  • Alzheimer Disease / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Infections / complications
  • Infections / pathology
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Risk Factors