Alzheimer’s is a nasty disease that affects many people. With the vast number of research underway to find cures for STD’s, a link has been found between the two diseases. Due to similarities in brain cell activity, it is believed that herpes drugs can slow down Alzheimer’s.
How Are the Two Linked
Research was conducted on the brain of healthy elderly patients versus patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It revealed that the Herpes Simplex virus 1 (HSV1) is present in a high number of patients from both categories, but HSV2 is mostly present in those with Alzheimer’s but not the other group. From this, the researchers were able to establish that there was a certain gene that was more likely to be present in those who have Alzheimer’s disease.
This gene is known as apolipoprotein E gene. It is common in those who have both Simplex 2 herpes and Alzheimer’s. Scientists believe that this is the link that indicates why herpes drugs can slow down Alzheimer’s.
There has also been evidence that shows systemic infections and cognitive decline are linked. This was seen to happen in patients who have both Alzheimer’s and herpes.
How Do the Drugs Help?
The basic function of herpes drugs is to slow down the disease. By slowing it down, it becomes almost dormant and is not as easily picked up within the human body.
It’s believed that the drug has that kind of effect on the apolipoprotein E gene, the gene common to Alzheimer’s and Simplex 2 herpes. This medication causes the gene to delay its role in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This could potentially hold the disease off for many years.
In Conclusion
Research such as this could go a long way in bettering the life expectancy of those who have Alzheimer’s. The fact that herpes drugs can slow down Alzheimer’s can potentially leave the affected more cognitively balanced, which could also increase their lifespan.
