Alzheimer's as an autoimmune disease

Alzheimer’s is the most familiar form of dementia. Although we are all familiar with autoimmune brain fog, scientists have not previously made the connection between Alzheimer's and autoimmune disease.

It was well known that the protein involved in Alzheimer’s is beta-amyloid, but the protein was previously viewed as an anomaly that shouldn't be in the brain. Recently, however, scientists from the Krembil Brain Institute published a study that found Alzheimer's to be an autoimmune disease of our innate immunity.

““We don’t think of Alzheimer’s as fundamentally a disease of the brain. We think of it as a disease of the immune system within the brain.”

— Dr. Donald Weaver, co-Director of the Krembil Brain Institute

The study found beta-amyloid to be a part of our body's innate response to injury or infection. When it is released in patients with Alzheimer's, it mistakenly attacks the body's neurons (because of surface similarities between the neurons and bacteria). The destruction of the neurons then leads the body to continue to believe that it is under attack and release more beta-amyloid in response, resulting in a perpetuating cycle of chronic attacks to the brain's neurons.

The finding that beta-amyloid is autoimmune has opened new doors of opportunity for the management and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Perhaps, one day, this line of research will also lead to more insights and treatments for brain fog.  

At the Autoimmune Registry, we are gathering epidemiological data on all autoimmune diseases to build a more complete picture of this disease class. You are a vital part of our mission to better understand autoimmune diseases. Please join our registry and share it with others who have autoimmune diseases. Donations are also greatly appreciated!