Alzheimer’s Society research finds link between infection and memory loss

The research found a link between common infections, such as a cold, stomach bug or urine infection and an increase in inflammation like reactions in the brain which led to an increased rate of cognitive decline.

Researchers at the University of Southampton investigated how inflammatory proteins released during an infection might affect the brain. Results showed that people who got an infection had twice the rate of cognitive decline as people without infections.

Dr Susanne Sorensen, Head of Research, Alzheimer's Society says,

'This study is an important step towards understanding the processes that occur during the onset of Alzheimer's disease. We know there might be a link between inflammatory processes and Alzheimer's but this is not yet fully understood. These findings are helping us to understand more about possible reasons for this link. More research is now needed to further this line of investigation.

In the meantime it's important that older people, people with dementia and carers treat any infection seriously and seek medical help. Professionals treating people with Alzheimer's disease also have a responsibility to be vigilant in their efforts to treat infections in people with Alzheimer's disease early and effectively.'

 The study's author Dr Clive Holmes, MRCPsych, PhD, from the University of Southampton, says, 

'One might guess that people with a more rapid rate of cognitive decline are more susceptible to infections or injury, but we found no evidence to suggest that people with more severe dementia were more likely to have infections or injuries at the beginning of the study.

More research needs to be done to understand the role of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, but it's possible that finding a way to reduce these levels could be beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease.'

Research reference: 'Systemic inflammation and disease progression in Alzheimer disease' Clive Holmes,  C. Cunnigham, E.Zotova, J. Woolford, C. Dean, S. Kerr, D. Culliford, V.H. Perry. The study involved 300 people with mild to severe Alzheimer's disease.