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.
How to Make Your Home Dementia-Friendly
Learn how to make your home more accommodating for the early stages of dementia.
Study Finds a Painless Way to Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
A new study found that continuous glucose monitors improve blood sugar control and quality of life in diabetes patients - pain-free.
Probiotics For Alzheimer’s - Can They Help?
Can taking probiotics help slow down the progression of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults?
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 Is What’s Currently Known About COVID-19 Immunity
We now know for certain that recovering Covid-19 patients possess antibodies for the illness. What does that mean regarding their immunity for reinfection?
An Alzheimer's Cure Might Just Be Around the Corner!
Impressive new research has discovered the earliest point in a neurodegenerative process that is thought to lead to dementia. Find out more here.
Revolutionize Your Green Space: 12 Cool Garden Gadgets
Take your garden to the next level with the amazingly cool inventions and gadgets.
9 Women Inventors Who Have Been Overlooked by History
History has overlooked many great women inventors. Here’s your chance to get to know a few of them.
These Ancient Inventions Have Got Scientists Stumped!
Here are 12 items from long ago which prove that our ancestors possessed knowledge and skills far more advanced than we once believed them to be.
This Mind-Blowing Talk Explores the Nature of Reality
In this video, cognitive scientist, Donald Hoffman, attempts to answer this mind-blowing question in this incredible TED talk.
The Magical Geometry of Crystals and How It Came to Be
How and why crystals are formed in such distinctive shapes that look like a human must have shaped them.
25 Feats of Engineering that Leave Everyone Amazed
The amount of planning and sheer brain power it took to design and execute these structures, proving once again that there are true geniuses out there.
What on Earth Is a Black Hole? This Video Explains All...
What on Earth are black holes, how do they affect us, and should we be at all worried about their existence? Find out here.
3 Surefire Ways to Always Identify Pseudoscience
Find out how you can identify pseudoscience, and learn how it differs from actual science.
These Will Give You True Perspective About Our World
Just to give you an idea of how big the Earth really is in true perspective to all the other heavenly bodies up there in the cosmos.
Wow! Who Knew That Jupiter Was So Mesmerizing?
Take a look at Jupiter like you've never seen it before!
This Incredible Documentary Takes You Into the Human Body
A beautiful and graphically advanced animation sheds light on the mysteries of the human body.
How To Be Sure Your Dog Adores You
10 scientific ways to know if your dog loves you
13 Incredible ROOF INNOVATIONS For Your House
Keep the roof of your house safe with these incredibly useful inventions.
7 Exciting Physics Tricks You Have to See!
Watch these seven remarkable physics tricks in this exciting and fun video.
What’s it Like Using a 115-Inch TV?!
This colossal 115-Inch TV will transform your viewing experience forever.
INTERACTIVE: How Personal Items Have Changed Over Time
Some of you will be old enough to remember what many of today's objects used to look like. Here are 20 such objects. Click to see them as they used to be.
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.
Check Out This Radio-Controlled Lego-Powered Submarine
This is the height of creativity! Check out this insanely cool Lego submarine. It actually works!
These Are the Miracles That Happen in Our Bodies Every Day
There is a lot that happens inside our bodies every single day. Did you know any of these facts?
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.
Take an Incredible Tour of Our Colossal Milky Way Galaxy
Fly Through the Milky Way Galaxy!
Get a Sense of Scale of Just How Big SpaceX's Rockets Are
SpaceX is achieving incredible things in space, however it's difficult to picture just how big their rockets are. Take a look...
10 Incredible Animal-Inspired Robots
Let's meet some incredibly realistic robotic animals.
These Inventions Prove the Middle Ages Were Not So “Dark”
These groundbreaking inventions prove the Middle Ages were not so “dark,” after all!
The Science Behind Why Laughter is the Best Medicine
They say laughter is the best medicine. But why exactly do we laugh?
Science Lesson: How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
How laser removal of tattoos actually works. These guys are going to find out and explain it to us.
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.
Satisfy Your Curiosity About the Universe with These Q&As
Discover more about the universe by reading through these facts.
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.
19 Things to AVOID to Make Your Phone Live Longer
19 common mistakes we all make, that make our phones age quicker.
Why Do We LAUGH? 7 Studies on the Origins of Humor
As pervasive as it is in our lives, the origin of laughter remains an intriguing enigma. This article investigates the origins of laughter and humor.
What Would You Do if You Had an Extra Thumb?
This revolutionary invention has the potential to revolutionize the field of prosthetics.
INTERACTIVE: A Guide to the Workings of the Human Body
The human body is the most complex machine known to man, and the amount of things it has to do to keep us alive is incredible. View this interactive guide now.
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.
Researchers Claim This Ingredient Can Cure Depression!
A preliminary study has suggested that magic mushrooms may be able to soothe the symptoms of depression. Read here to find out more.
Doctors Make History With First Whole Eye Transplant
Surgeons in New York have performed the world’s first transplant of an entire human eye!
Watch This Man Build a Future Using Trash from the Past
In this video, you will see what this incredible community has been able to accomplish by building homes from recycled materials.
These Photos Show How Dependent We are On Smartphones
Technology has taken over and these funny (but true) photos help to drive this fact home.
Toilets: The Greatest Medical Advancement in Human History
While toilets make some people laugh, they are actually a deadly serious medical advancement. This video explains what toilets mean to civilization.
6 Shocking Truths About Coffee You Never Knew
Have you been believing these common coffee myths too?
STUDY: The Effect of Personality on Our Level of Happiness
Researchers finally know which types of people will always be happier than others.