Nonya Bidniss1d ago
For the ahem, mature set: get your shingles vax, and start asking for the high dose flu vax. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-vaccines/high-dose-flu-vaccine-tied-lower-alzheimer-s-risk-older-adults
High-dose flu vaccine tied to lower Alzheimer’s risk in older adults

CIDRAP
Show threadNazo

@Nonya_Bidniss It's starting to look more and more like Alzheimer's may be in some way a product of effects that various diseases have on the body and I definitely wonder exactly what the mechanism is on that. Multiple things seem to have linked back to it in much this same way.

I guess it's too soon to really tell for sure, but it certainly looks interesting.

Apr 3 at 1:07amWeb
Show threadNonya Bidniss1d ago

@nazokiyoubinbou From 2024 - "Infections and varying levels of immune-specific proteins may contribute to increased dementia risk and brain volume loss in older adults, according to a team led by NIA scientists. While other researchers have found a link between infections and cognitive decline, this study identified the proteins involved and used a genetics tool to support the protein connection between infection, dementia risk, and neurodegeneration. The findings, published in Nature Aging, suggest that a range of infections are associated with an elevated risk of dementia and increased brain atrophy."

Very recent data on vaccines mitigating risk of dementia really adds to the strength of this.

https://www.alzheimers.gov/news/infections-and-immune-specific-proteins-may-increase-dementia-risk-and-brain-atrophy

Show threadNazo1d ago

@Nonya_Bidniss Do you suppose they're finally starting to kind of narrow it down somewhat? Alzheimer's sure has been one elusive disorder...

I can't get the site to load, but I seem to recall quite a lot of the stuff people let spread around like crazy was in the list, right? I'm pretty sure COVID-19 was (but then we already know it screws with the brain on its own, so it's bad enough regardless.)

Show threadNonya Bidniss1d ago
@nazokiyoubinbou Yeah I think the takeaway is avoid catching viruses and masks are good
Show threadNazo1d ago
@Nonya_Bidniss But darn it, if you do that you also get stuck with *checks notes* being generally healthier. Darn it!