© Edgard Garrido / Reuters
New research has led scientists to the hypothesis that Alzheimer’s disease may stem from leftover toxic remains from the brain’s efforts to fight off infections. The Harvard team behind the study, which could explain the origin of the brain plaque, or debris, that characterizes the disease, published its findings in the journal Science Translational Medicine. If the researchers’ hypothesis is proven correct, the implications could be significant for treating—and even preventing—the elusive degenerative condition. They have so far confirmed the idea using neurons growing in petri dishes and with yeast, roundworms, fruit flies, and mice. A radiology professor at the University of California called the research “interesting and provocative.” Another, Dr. David Holtzman at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, called it “outside the box.” He added, “It really is an innovative and novel study.”