Research shows that **inflammation plays a significant role in Alzheimer’s disease**, particularly chronic inflammation in the brain that builds up over time. This long-lasting immune response can damage brain cells and contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s.
One key insight is that the brain’s immune cells, called **microglia and astrocytes**, become activated in response to harmful proteins like amyloid-beta plaques, which are common in Alzheimer’s. While this activation can initially protect the brain, if it becomes chronic or uncontrolled, it leads to the release of inflammatory molecules that harm neurons and worsen memory loss and cognitive decline.
Scientists have found that this harmful inflammation is linked to other factors such as **genome instability** (damage to DNA) and **energy metabolism problems** in brain cells. The brain uses a lot of energy, and when its energy systems falter with age or stress, inflammation tends to increase, making the brain more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s.
Certain genetic factors also influence inflammation in Alzheimer’s. For example, the **APOE ε4 gene variant** is known to raise the risk of Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases by promoting chronic inflammation through specific protein changes.
Additionally, inflammation triggered by infections outside the brain, such as **periodontitis (gum disease)**, can worsen Alzheimer’s by activating immune responses that increase harmful brain inflammation and amyloid buildup.
Research is exploring ways to target this inflammation to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s. This includes developing drugs that modulate the activity of microglia and astrocytes or block inflammatory molecules. Understanding how inflammation interacts with aging, genetics, and brain metabolism is opening new paths for early diagnosis and treatment.
In short, inflammation is not just a side effect but a central player in Alzheimer’s disease, influencing how the disease starts and progresses. Scientists are now focusing on this complex immune response to find better ways to protect the brain and improve outcomes for those affected.
