Infections Worsen Dementia According to Alzheimer’s Society

People with Alzheimer’s disease who develop an infection need to be treated as soon as possible to prevent it worsening their dementia.


According to research conducted by Alzheimer’s Society,

there is a link between common infections, and an increase in inflammation like reactions in the brain which lead to an increased rate of cognitive decline. The inflammatory affect of the infection worsens dementia.

Researchers at the University of Southampton in England investigated how inflammatory proteins released during an infection might affect the brain. Results showed that people who got an infection had twice the rate of cognitive decline as people without infections.

Dr Susanne Sorensen, Head of Research, Alzheimer’s Society says, ‰ÛÏProfessionals treating people with Alzheimer’s disease also have a responsibility to be vigilant in their efforts to treat infections in people with Alzheimer’s disease early and effectively.‰Û

Amazing how so many of the problems in health care come down to preventable medical conditions that could be solved simply by doing simple things like washing your hands.