Fungal Infection in the Brain Produces Effects Similar to Alzheimer’s

Some researchers have suggested that neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis may have a microbial origin.

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When the brain is infected with a common fungus, it changes in ways similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s disease, a team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine has discovered. The new research delves deeper into some of the molecular mechanisms behind that process.

The Study Findings

Using animal models, the research team discovered how the fungus, called Candida albicans (C. albicans), enters the brain, activates mechanisms for its clearance, and generates amyloid beta-like peptides—toxic protein fragments thought to be central to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

The findings were published on Oct. 10 in the journal Cell Reports.