Alzheimer's disease - a neurospirochetosis. Analysis of the evidence following Koch's and Hill's criteria
2011

Alzheimer's Disease and Spirochetes

Sample size: 247 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Judith Miklossy

Primary Institution: International Alzheimer Research Center, Prevention Alzheimer Foundation, Martigny-Combe, Switzerland

Hypothesis

Could various types of spirochetes be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease?

Conclusion

There is a statistically significant association between spirochetes and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a probable causal relationship.

Supporting Evidence

  • More than 90% of Alzheimer's cases analyzed showed the presence of spirochetes in the brain.
  • Borrelia burgdorferi was found in 25.3% of Alzheimer's cases, significantly more than in controls.
  • Chronic spirochetal infection can cause dementia, brain atrophy, and amyloid deposition.

Takeaway

This study suggests that certain bacteria might be linked to Alzheimer's disease, and treating these infections could help prevent dementia.

Methodology

The study reviewed literature and analyzed data on the presence of spirochetes in Alzheimer's patients compared to controls.

Potential Biases

Potential publication bias in studies showing positive associations between spirochetes and Alzheimer's.

Limitations

The study relies on existing literature, which may have varying methodologies and sample sizes.

Participant Demographics

The study included 247 Alzheimer's disease cases and 77 controls.

Statistical Information

P-Value

1.5 × 10-17

Confidence Interval

95% CI = 8-60

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1742-2094-8-90

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