
25/07/2025
Interesting
For decades, Alzheimer’s disease was believed to be a brain-centric condition caused by the buildup of toxic beta-amyloid plaques. But new research from Dr. Donald Weaver at the University of Toronto proposes a radical shift: Alzheimer’s may actually be an autoimmune disorder, where the brain’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself. According to this emerging theory, beta-amyloid isn’t an abnormal waste product—it’s a natural immune molecule meant to protect the brain from pathogens or injury.
So how does it go wrong? Due to structural similarities between microbes and neurons, the immune system may confuse brain cells with foreign invaders, triggering chronic self-attack. This reframes Alzheimer’s not as a neurodegenerative condition in isolation, but as part of a broader class of autoimmune diseases. If true, it could revolutionize how we treat and prevent dementia—by regulating immune responses instead of targeting plaques. The implications are enormous for millions affected worldwide.
More sources: https://engineerine.com/alzheimers-autoimmune-new-research/