Spirochetes are a type of bacteria that cause diseases like syphilis, Lyme disease and gum disease. We have known for a long time that, under certain conditions, some chronic spirochete infections such as syphilis can cause dementia.
Infections can cause short term cognitive impairments which are reversible once the infection is cleared, but they can also lead to long-term cognitive impairments in people who are already on the trajectory toward dementia. In effect, an infection can unmask dementia in people with subtle symptoms.
gingivalis. The bacteria produces toxins called gingipains that are found to accumulate in the brain of Alzheimer's patients. The gingipains degrade human proteins, giving rise to the infamous misfolded proteins. The researchers also developed chemical compounds that could neutralize gingipains.
Toxoplasmosis, which is caused by infection with the Toxoplasma gondii (T.
gingivalis, the bacterium that's a major cause of gum disease, is also linked to Alzheimer's. What is this? The DNA of P. gingivalis is present in the brain tissue and spinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer's.
Also, poor oral hygiene might lead to increased bacteria in the mouth and to gum disease, which can cause inflammation and raise the risk of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, leading to dementia.
Seizures and headaches are the most common symptoms. However, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, difficulty with balance, excess fluid around the brain (called hydrocephalus) may also occur. The disease can result in death.
Diarrhea. Nausea or vomiting. Gas or bloating. Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)
There are two kinds of common parasitic infections:
Pinworms, whipworms, and hookworms are all types of roundworms (1) that can cause digestive problems, mood swings, abdominal pain, brain fog, and weight loss.
Researchers from Tufts University and the University of Oxford have found that two common viruses—the varicella zoster and herpes simplex viruses—likely constitute a pathway that leads to Alzheimer's disease.
The study, in mice, found that gut bacteria — partly by producing compounds such as short chain fatty acids — affect the behavior of immune cells throughout the body, including ones in the brain that can damage brain tissue and exacerbate neurodegeneration in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Summary: Two common viruses lie dormant in neurons -- herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV). Lab models of the human brain show that activation or re-infection of VZV can trigger neuroinflammation and wake up HSV, leading to accumulation of Alzheimer's linked proteins and neural decline.
Infections of the Body
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or infections of the lungs are very common in older people who show confusion and the rapid change in alertness, attention, memory, and orientation called delirium. Delirium is often reversible once the cause is identified and treated.
While WNV and ZIKV have different effects on neurons, both viruses can cause a long-term cognitive decline including learning and memory deficits.
Common types of dementia associated with memory loss are: Alzheimer disease. Vascular dementia. Lewy body dementia.
Parasites could be using glucose (or other things present in the host blood after eating) as a food source: When hosts eat, parasites eat.
Parasites are organisms that need another living thing (a host) to get the nutrients they need to survive. Parasitic infections often cause intestinal illness, with symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. But they can also give you itchy skin rashes or infect other parts of your body, like your brain or lungs.
Giardia is arguably the most common parasite infection of humans worldwide, and the second most common in the United States after pin-worm.
They may also order a number of tests to diagnose a cerebral abscess: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan of your head. Blood tests to look for signs of germs and other signs of infection. Tests of a sample from the abscess to determine the cause of your infection.
In Nicaragua and other developing countries tapeworm infections are common, and the larvae can migrate into the brain—a condition called neurocysticercosis. Usually the infection causes seizures as well as large brain cysts that are obvious on an MRI.
X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, Computerized Axial Tomography scan (CAT)These tests are used to look for some parasitic diseases that may cause lesions in the organs.
Tooth Infection and Memory Loss
Dental infections can lead to memory loss when the infection spreads to the brain. When your cavity reaches the root of the tooth, the infection damages the nerves and blood vessels, which connect directly to the brain.
A recent meta-analysis synthesizing data from previous studies suggests that gum disease and tooth loss are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. These results underscore the importance of preserving oral health to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Though it's incredibly rare, in some instances, a tooth infection can spread to the brain and become a brain abscess, or a pus-filled swelling in the brain.