Do people with Alzheimer's have compromised immune systems?
Answers from top 10 papers
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| Papers (10) | Insight |
|---|---|
| Altogether, these data indicate that in AD the immune tolerance to Aβ is compromised leading to chronic immune/inflammatory responses against Aβ that are detrimental and cause neuropathology. | |
61 Citations | Currently, there is little doubt that the immune system plays a role in the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease (AD). |
16 Citations | The dramatic difference in the presence of such antibodies in normal versus Alzheimer's disease (AD) suggests an important immune system dysfunction in AD. |
65 Citations | Inversely, aberrant immune system activities could lead to pathologies associated with altered nervous activities, such as Alzheimer's disease, chronic fatigue, or multiple sclerosis. |
Open access•Journal Article | The immune system may play an important role in the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease (AD). |
72 Citations | Thus, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, type II diabetes and some autoimmune disorders are linked to changes in immune function. |
12 Citations | We conclude that the prevalence of celiac disease in Alzheimer's disease is not higher than in cognitively unimpaired elders, suggesting that the immune changes in celiac disease are unlikely to play a role in Alzheimer's disease. |
69 Citations | These results demonstrate the existence of defective cellular immune functions in both elderly Down's patients and Alzheimer's patients. |
| This immune dysregulation may affect conditions associated with chronic inflammation, such as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. | |
| The results add further support to the concept that inflammation and similar immune mechanisms may contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. |
Related Questions
How does alcohol consumption impact the immune system, leading to neutrophil dysfunction in Alcoholic Hepatitis patients?10 answersAlcohol consumption significantly impacts the immune system, leading to various dysfunctions, including neutrophil dysfunction, particularly in patients with Alcoholic Hepatitis (AH). Chronic excessive alcohol consumption causes Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD), which encompasses a spectrum of liver injuries, including AH, characterized by an inflammatory response where immune cells play a crucial role. Patients with AH exhibit immune dysfunction, with studies showing altered mitochondrial function in immune cells, which is critical for their responses and regulates senescence, further contributing to immune dysfunction.
The metabolism of alcohol produces toxic metabolites like acetaldehyde and reactive oxygen species, which, along with alcohol-induced dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability, promote the translocation of bacterial products. This translocation exacerbates the production of inflammatory cytokines in the liver, perpetuating local inflammation and contributing to the progression of ALD. Alcohol alters both innate and adaptive immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, B cells, and T cells, leading to immune dysfunction associated with alcohol-induced end-organ damage. Chronic alcohol consumption affects circulating and tissue-resident myeloid cells, dampening acute drinking but enhancing chronic drinking's production of inflammatory mediators.
In AH, the immune system is hyperactive yet dysfunctional, with alterations in immune checkpoints (ICPs) that could relate to the dysregulated state, affecting the functionality of immune cells including neutrophils. Specifically, patients with severe AH have dysfunctional NK cells and CD8 T cells, which fail to kill target cells, including monocytes, due to downregulated receptors necessary for cytotoxic cell recognition, indicating a broader immune dysfunction that likely includes neutrophil impairment. Alcohol dysregulates the function of lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, and tissue macrophages, contributing to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and fibrosis in ALD and AH. Furthermore, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been associated with infection, acute kidney injury (AKI), and the severity of alcoholic hepatitis, indicating that neutrophil dysfunction plays a significant role in the disease's progression and outcome. Lastly, acute alcoholic hepatitis is characterized by profound immune dysfunction, with evidence of impaired microbial defense, where neutrophils exhibit reduced phagocytic capacity and oxidative burst. This comprehensive view from multiple studies underscores the multifaceted impact of alcohol consumption on the immune system, leading to neutrophil dysfunction among other immune impairments in AH patients.
What is the role of inflammation in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease?4 answersIn Alzheimer's disease (AD), inflammation plays a crucial role in both development and progression. Neuroinflammation, triggered by the accumulation of Aβ and tau proteins, leads to the activation of microglia and astrocytes, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive species that contribute to neuronal damage and synaptic loss. Chronic peripheral inflammation, as well as acute inflammatory insults like infections, critical illness, and surgery, have been linked to AD risk, highlighting the systemic impact of inflammation on the brain. While some anti-inflammatory treatments have shown promise in attenuating AD progression, challenges remain in finding effective therapies targeting inflammatory mechanisms to prevent or reverse the disease. Efforts focusing on resolving inflammation post-acute insults may hold potential in preserving brain health and limiting neurodegenerative pathology in AD.
Is Alzheimer’s disease infectious?4 answersAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the deposition of amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. There is growing evidence suggesting that infections may play a role in AD pathogenesis. Pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi have been detected in the brains of AD patients and are known to promote the development of AD pathology. However, the role of infections in AD remains controversial. Some studies suggest that prior infection is associated with a higher risk of AD, while others show a lower overall cancer risk in individuals with a history of infection. The presence of microorganisms in the brain tissue of AD patients, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) and periodontal pathogens, has been linked to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between infections and AD.
How does kidney disease affect the immune system?4 answersKidney disease affects the immune system by causing immune system dysregulation and metabolic disturbances. This dysregulation involves a complex interplay between various immune cell types, cytokines, chemokines, and complement factors, which can trigger kidney inflammation and tissue injury. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by immune dysfunction, including impairment of both innate and adaptive immune systems, as well as other factors such as uremia, malnutrition, chronic inflammation, mineral bone disease, and anemia. In CKD patients, there is an altered immune response, increased susceptibility to infections, virus-associated cancers, and impaired response to vaccination. Additionally, T-helper type 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells play important roles in immune dysregulation in CKD patients. The presence of certain T cell subsets at the time of renal transplantation may also affect the immune response and graft function.
Why are cancer patients exposed to a weak immune system?5 answersCancer patients are exposed to a weak immune system due to several factors. Firstly, the immune system declines with age, and most cancers emerge in the elderly. Additionally, individuals with primary immune deficiencies have a higher risk of developing cancer, indicating the importance of a functional immune system in cancer prevention. Furthermore, cancer itself can alter the immune system, as tumor cells can release substances that suppress immune responses and promote tumor growth. Moreover, cancer patients receiving immunotherapy may be at a higher risk of an aberrant immune response in case of infection, highlighting the delicate balance of the immune system in cancer patients. Overall, the complex nature of cancer and its interaction with the immune system contribute to the weakened immune response observed in cancer patients.
Who are at risk in alzheimer's disease?5 answersRisk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) include biologic (e.g. vascular), economic, and socio-cultural factors. AD incidence and prevalence has been linked to race, and African American/Black individuals (AA/B) are at greater risk compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), due to physiological and social factors, however few clinical research studies are dedicated to prospective and thoughtful data collection on both physiology (biomarkers) and social/structural risk factors, including discrimination. Older adults are more at risk for AD, and risk factors such as sleep disruption, depression, and motor function are implicated. Cerebrospinal fluid parameters for biomarkers of tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) were universally lower among Blacks compared with Whites, raising concern that norm reference may not be accurate for all populations. Other associated factors such as sex, poor nutrition, education, impaired functional status, body mass index, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, fish intake, and pesticide exposure have also been reported, though none are clear. Implementing evidence-based strategies to address modifiable risk factors can help reduce the risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.