How Does the Immune System Affect Alzheimer’s?

The immune system plays an important role in keeping a senior healthy. If it becomes compromised, remaining healthy can be a considerable challenge. Though reduced immunity can have significant effects on the body, researchers are also exploring some potential links with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some of these connections and the treatments that may be forthcoming.

Telltale Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Many people know about the mental and emotional changes caused by Alzheimer’s disease, but all of these symptoms are the result of physical changes deep within the body and mind. These changes include brain inflammation caused by clumps of proteins known as amyloids. Localized inflammation is the body’s natural response to these proteins, and it’s thought to be one of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

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The Immune System Connection

Protecting mental health is just one of the many jobs of the immune system, and it does this by clearing away natural and foreign substances that affect brain cells. However, the immune system does its job too well in some instances, which can result in permanently damaged brain cells. Over time, the resulting inflammation can increase a senior’s risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related disorders.

Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Portland Assisting Hands Home Care provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our caregivers help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. 

Potential Future Treatments

A number of research teams throughout the world are exploring how to address the relationship between the immune system and the development of Alzheimer’s. One promising treatment involves disrupting the cells used to “tag” certain areas of the brain for the immune system to attack. In some initial studies on mice, antibodies that blocked this process before it ever started seemed to be somewhat effective.

Other Risk Factors

It’s important to realize there’s no single cause of Alzheimer’s. The leading specialists currently believe this disorder is the result of lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and genetics. Currently, the easiest way to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s is to live a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a clean diet. Seniors who have a family history of this disorder should also be tested for it as early and often as possible.

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