Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and Alzheimer Disease

Antibodies associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 reactivated infection doubles the risk of Alzheimer disease (AD), according to an analysis of 3,423 subjects who were followed for a mean 11.3 years.

Researchers analyzed serum samples for anti-HSV antibodies immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and found:

• Anti-HSV IgM antibodies at baseline were associated with a 1.96 increased risk of AD.

• Positivity for anti-HSV IgM was a sign of reactivated infection.

• Anti-HSV IgG antibodies were not associated with an increased risk of AD.

Citation:  Lövheim H, Gilthorpe J, Adolfsson R, Nilsson LG, Elgh F. Reactivated herpes simplex infection increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2015;11(6):593-599. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2014.04.522.