Alzheimer’s may actually be caused by a misfiring immune system — not toxic brain plaques.
This discovery marks a major shift in understanding the disease.
A new theory is reshaping our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, long thought to be caused by the buildup of toxic beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
Researchers now propose that Alzheimer’s may actually be an autoimmune disease—an immune system malfunction where the body mistakenly attacks itself. According to this model, beta-amyloid isn’t a harmful anomaly but a natural part of the brain’s defense system. It’s designed to protect against threats like infection. However, due to its inability to distinguish between microbial invaders and the brain’s own cells, it may accidentally launch attacks that lead to chronic brain damage and dementia.
This autoimmune theory, backed by three decades of research, could dramatically shift the focus of Alzheimer’s treatment. Instead of aiming solely to remove beta-amyloid, future therapies might target the immune system’s regulation within the brain. This opens the door to innovative treatment strategies and renewed hope for patients and caregivers alike. As autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis have shown, managing immune responses can change lives—suggesting that a similar approach for Alzheimer’s could lead to more effective and lasting results.
Source https://www.sciencealert.com/