The research shows that the onset of Alzheimer's could be the result of bacteria bypassing the brain's defences and infecting the neurons. Scientists studying the brains of deceased donors found that the type and quantity of bacteria differed between healthy brains and those with Alzheimer's.
The researchers, from the UK's University of Bristol, think that there may be a link between neuroinflammation and these newly-discovered bacteria populations. David Emery, one of the researchers, said that, " Alzheimer's brains usually contain evidence of neuroinflammation, and researchers increasingly think that this could be a possible driver of the disease, by causing neurons in the brain to degenerate." Furthermore, he believes that "Neuroinflammation in the brain may be a reaction to the presence of bacteria."
They analyzed the bacteria genes that the brains contained, using a process called DNA sequencing. Their results showed that the diseased brains contained ten times more Actinobacteria than Proteobacteria. Additionally, the Alzheimer's brains contained a lot more bacterial sequences than the healthy brains. Some of the bacterial species identified included ones usually associated with the nose, skin, and mouth.
Shelley Allen, another of the researchers, explained that "previous studies looking at bacteria in the Alzheimer's brain have primarily investigated specific bacterial species," however, "we wanted to use an unbiased method to obtain the fullest overview possible of the entire bacterial population."
This isn't the first time that researchers have suggested a possible connection between Alzheimer's and bacteria, yet this is by far one of the most detailed investigations into the subject to date. Hopefully, these findings will help fuel further research into Alzheimer's disease, which will eventually lead to a cure.
In the meantime, if you want to decrease your chances of developing Alzheimer's, experts recommend maintaining a healthy sleeping pattern, keeping active, and stimulating your mind in as many ways as possible.
Here's the Latest Alzheimer's Breakthrough: Zombie Cells
Scientists have found a way to cure the stressed, toxic, zombie cells found in mice with Alzheimer's. Read all about it here.
Discovery: Use of Blood Thinners May Prevent Dementia
A new study shows how blood-thinning drugs can help to prevent the onset of dementia. Find out how they work here.
This New Blood Test May Detect Alzheimer's 8 Years Earlier
A new blood test has been created that may help Alzheimer's to be detected up to 8 years before symptoms develop. Learn all about it here.
These Common Antidepressants Could be Causing Dementia!
Medication that is commonly used to treat incontinence, depression, and gastrointestinal disorders has been linked with an increased risk of getting dementia.
How Blue Light Really Affects Your Sleep and Health
You have probably heard that blue light coming from screens is 'bad for us'. But how does it work and what are the exact health risks? Find out
A Vaccine for Alzheimer's?
A groundbreaking first-of-its-kind vaccine for Alzheimer’s disease has shown promise.
I Never Knew These Stunning Facts About Our Universe
If you thought you understood the universe, you'll be completely floored by this insane facts.
Watch the Best HD Panorama Photo of Mars Ever Taken
Watch an incredible 1.8-Billion-Pixel panorama of the planet Mars that was recently captured by NASA's Curiosity rover.
Chocolate Exposed! Here's What It Does to Your Brain!
Just what is it that makes chocolate so irresistible to so many people around the world? Find all of the answers in the article.
The First Robot Ever Made Was Created 250 Years Ago...
This automaton is pure genius, especially when you consider it was built 250 years ago...
This Incredible Documentary Takes You Into the Human Body
A beautiful and graphically advanced animation sheds light on the mysteries of the human body.
NASA's Plan to Colonize the Moon by 2026
NASA has a Moon colonization plan that involves utilizing 3D printers to construct an entire space station by 2026. Here's what it will look like.
10 Real-Life Technologies That Science Fiction Foretold
Sometimes even the wildest science-fiction predictions about the future come true.
8 Biggest Mysteries Still Surrounding the Human Body
Although modern science has revealed much about the human body, there are some things that still remain unknown. Here are the 8 biggest mysteries about it.
11 Technologies to Potentially Achieving Immortality
Scientists are hard at work developing technologies that could extend our lifespans and even make us immortal. Here are 11 of them.
TRIVIA: 25 Shocking Differences Between the Sexes
Did you know that there are some vast differences between the sexes? These 25 scientific facts will probably come as a big surprise to you, they did to me.
24 Smart Storage Inventions You Didn't Know You Needed
These super useful inventions are designed to make you help space!
Remembering the Life and Wisdom of Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking possessed one of the greatest minds the world has ever seen, but was also impaired by a debilitating disease. Here are his life ant times.
Satisfy Your Curiosity About the Universe with These Q&As
Discover more about the universe by reading through these facts.
Wonder Why Time Speeds Up As You Age? Here's the Answer
We all get the sensation that time moves faster as we get older, but there are scientific reasons for that. Read on to learn about this fascinating phenomenon.
15 Frightening Animals Early Humans Had to Live With
10 scary animals early cavemen in Africa had to deal with 200,000 years ago.
24 Confusing Optical Illusions Explained - Fascinating!
How do our eyes fool the brain? Let's find out as a neuroscientist explains the truth behind the most confusing optical illusions.
25 Pics Showing How People in the Past Imagined the Future
Let’s see how the people of the past imagined the future and find out if their fun predictions came true with these 25 vintage pictures
Erecting a Behemoth: Installation of an Offshore Oilrig
How do they install an offshore oilrig? This video will show you, step by step, how it is done.
19 Everyday Items That Started as Military Inventions
Look around your home, and you’ll surely find a handful of these items that were originally developed for the armed forces.
20 Incredible Inventions That We Have Completely Lost
Here are some of the most amazing ideas and inventions we have ever seen. But, sadly, all of them have been lost to science in the mysterious mists of history.
These Things All Say Something About Your Body Or Mind
There are many things that you can determine about your body and mind just by looking at yourself. Here are 10 things that your body says about you.
Revolutionize Your Green Space: 12 Cool Garden Gadgets
Take your garden to the next level with the amazingly cool inventions and gadgets.
These Experiments Remind Us Water Isn't Just For Drinking
This video will make you stop and think for a second the next time you're having a glass of water as you remember the brightly colored experiments that this video shows us you can do with water
The Accidental Discovery of the World’s First Antibiotic
Not too long ago, it was fairly common to die of the simplest of wounds due to bacterial infection. Penicillin changed everything.
These 11 Brain Facts Are Enough to Boggle Your Mind
When you consider the sheer complexity of the human brain, it's difficult to wrap your head around it. Learn these 11 fascinating facts about the human brain.
How to Make Cleansing Hydrogen Water from an Old Battery
Let's embark on this scientific journey to unlock the potential of water and discover the practical uses of hydrogen and oxygen in everyday life.
These Inventions Prove the Middle Ages Were Not So “Dark”
These groundbreaking inventions prove the Middle Ages were not so “dark,” after all!
Scary Stories: 11 of the World's Creepiest Experiments
Truth is stranger than fiction, and this can be said for occurrences in the scientific world too. Here are 11 of the world's creepiest experiments
WATCH: This is What Occurs In Our Brain When We're In Love
We all love being in love, and actually crave it and need it, but what actually happens to our brains when we're in love? Watch this TED Talk to find out.
17 Experiments That Produced Very Bizarre Results...
Take a look at this collection of photos showing how common people performed some fascinating accidental scientific experiments.
Ancient Skull Found In China Unlike Any Human Ever Seen
A newly-discovered skull in China had baffled scientists. This could mean we might have discovered an entirely new species of humans.
Fascinating Science: How Old Can We Actually Get?
All things being equal, and technology continually progressing - How old can a human body really get?
9 UNBELIEVABLE Ice Science Tricks That'l Amaze You
Prepare to be amazed as ice takes center stage in these mind-boggling and unconventional science experiments.
14 of the Most Fascinating Specialized Tools You'll See
We bet you haven’t seen these unique tools before!
17 Incredible Eye Facts You Have To See To Believe
They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and they also happen to be our windows to the world. Here are 17 insanely fascinating facts about eyes.
How To Be Sure Your Dog Adores You
10 scientific ways to know if your dog loves you
What is Your Consciousness? A Remarkable Video...
This video by Ted-ed searches to explain the origin of consciousness as well as what is consciousness.
This Secret Invention Changed the Course of WW2
Let’s take a closer look at the proximity fuze, also called Vt Fuze, an invention that changed the course of the second World War.
Science Proves: These 10 Bible Stories Probably Did Happen
The Bible describes many seemingly supernatural cases, but today, science can show that they might have indeed happened.
Breathalyzers May Be More Important Than You Thought
This video does a great job in breaking down how in the future, breath analysis can be used to detect disease and prevent more invasive procedures.
The Science Behind Why Laughter is the Best Medicine
They say laughter is the best medicine. But why exactly do we laugh?