Virus's Control Us, Gatekeepers For Medicine, and Alzheimers Breakthrough

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Viruses: The Keys to Understanding Humanity’s Biological System

Leonard Lado MD, ABPN, RPh - President & Medical Director at Lado Healing Institute, American Board of Neurology & Psychiatry

Earlier in my career, during my education and training, I was introduced to the

fascinating concept that viruses act as “keys” to God’s biological control system.

While this perspective may seem surprising from a purely scientific standpoint, it

carries profound implications when we consider the subtle and intricate ways

viruses interact with life on Earth. Their presence and activity can influence the

trajectory of humanity, creating subtle genetic shifts that shape evolutionary

outcomes and disease patterns.

This idea serves as the foundation for a broader discussion about the role of

viruses in human health and disease, particularly as it relates to

neurodegenerative conditions like dementia. Recent research has shed light on

the potential link between viral infections and brain health, challenging

conventional thinking and opening new avenues for exploration.

NIA-Funded Study: Viruses, Immune Proteins, and Dementia

A groundbreaking study funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has

revealed a possible connection between viral infections and increased risk of

dementia. Researchers examined the effects of infections caused by viruses

such as the flu and herpes, as well as the role of specific immune-related

proteins, on brain health in older adults.

Their findings suggest that viral infections may contribute to brain volume loss

and an increased risk of dementia. However, the study’s most intriguing

revelation is its challenge to traditional theories about dementia’s origins. Instead

of infections causing the production of harmful proteins that lead to cognitive

decline, the researchers propose an alternative explanation: infections may be

associated with lower levels of protective proteins.

This shift in perspective highlights the possibility that insufficient levels of these

beneficial proteins might leave certain individuals more vulnerable to the effects

of infections, ultimately increasing their risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

A Paradigm Shift in Understanding Dementia

The traditional view of dementia has often focused on the accumulation of

detrimental proteins, such as beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, as central

drivers of the disease. These proteins were thought to be produced in response

to infections or other triggers, eventually damaging brain cells and leading to

cognitive decline.

However, the findings from the NIA-funded study suggest a more nuanced

relationship. It raises the possibility that infections may act as indirect factors by

suppressing or depleting protective proteins that play a crucial role in maintaining

brain health.

This hypothesis aligns with the broader concept that viruses, while often seen as

purely harmful agents, can have more complex roles within biological systems.

Their ability to influence genetic material and interact with immune processes

suggests that they may be both drivers and modulators of disease.

Implications for Future Research and Treatment

If future studies confirm that lower levels of protective proteins are a significant

factor in dementia risk, this could open up new avenues for prevention and

treatment. Strategies might focus on boosting these beneficial proteins through

targeted therapies, lifestyle interventions, or even vaccines designed to modulate

immune responses.

Moreover, understanding the role of viral infections in dementia could lead to the

development of better diagnostic tools. For example, monitoring immune-related

protein levels in at-risk populations could help identify individuals who might

benefit from early interventions.

Closing Thoughts

The interplay between viruses, immune responses, and neurodegeneration offers

a compelling reminder of the complexity of human biology. Viruses, often

perceived as destructive forces, may also serve as subtle modulators of our

genetic and physiological systems.

This topic, which I have only begun to explore here, will be expanded upon in

future discussions and journal entries. By understanding the role of viruses as

“keys” in our biological systems, we can better appreciate their dual nature—both

as potential threats and as essential components of life’s intricate design.

As research continues to uncover the connections between infections, immune

proteins, and brain health, we move closer to unlocking new ways to prevent and

treat conditions like dementia.

References:

? National Institute on Aging (NIA)-funded research on viruses, immune

proteins, and dementia.

? Current studies on neurodegenerative diseases and the role of infections

in cognitive decline.

The Unsung Science Behind New Medicines

Keagen Hadley - Lead Author at The Scientific Storyteller and Associate Director of Medical Writing at Immunovant

As a kid, I knew I wanted to work in medicine. I wanted to make a difference and impact as many lives as possible. I imagined my future in a clinic, treating patients face-to-face. But life took me in an unexpected direction, bringing me the flexibility, income, and impact I always dreamed of.

Behind every new medicine is a team of experts translating science into actionable evidence. Bringing a therapy to patients involves more than discovering a promising molecule. It requires proving its safety, effectiveness, and benefits in a way regulators, like the FDA, can understand and trust.

Documents summarizing the treatment of thousands of trial participants capture every detail, including the protocols that governed the participants’ treatment, the resulting reports of what went right (and wrong), and the materials clinicians use to determine whether it is clinically indicated to prescribe and administer the therapy. This work demands precision, accuracy, and clarity.

This career has changed my life.

While I don’t see patients in person, my work directly impacts their health. Whether it’s writing a clinical overview summarizing the drug’s efficacy or crafting lay language for participants’ informed consent forms, I’m part of the process that gets life-changing treatments into the hands of those who need them. I’ve found a way to help more patients than I ever imagined—contributing to therapies that could transform thousands, even millions, of lives.

Regulatory medical writing isn’t always visible, but it’s essential. It’s where science meets storytelling and how hope becomes healing.

Breakthrough In Alzheimers

Nicolas Hubacz, M.S. - Business Development Manager at Magstim and Founder of NH Sponsorships

A recent phase 2 study revealed that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can slow cognitive decline in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s patients by 44% compared to a sham treatment. Patients also maintained their ability to perform daily activities, as measured by standardized scales.

The therapy targets the precuneus, a critical hub in the brain's default mode network (DMN), which is heavily involved in memory. By using individualized neuromodulation techniques, the treatment reduced behavioral disturbances like anxiety, eating disorders, and sleep disruptions, significantly improving patients' quality of life.

This innovative approach uses data-driven targeting to stimulate the most responsive areas of the DMN, showcasing its potential as a safe, accessible treatment option. With a phase 3 trial on the horizon, researchers hope this method will complement existing therapies for Alzheimer’s and provide an alternative for those unable to use antibody-based treatments.

Key Points:

?? TMS slowed cognitive decline by 44% in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.

?? The treatment maintained daily living abilities and improved behavioral symptoms like anxiety and sleep disturbances.

?? The approach uses personalized neuromodulation to target memory-related brain networks, offering a safe, non-invasive alternative to drug therapies.

Credit to Fierce Pharma for the great article!

Link to full article: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/non-invasive-brain-stimulation-slows-alzheimers-disease-progression-year-long-trial

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