AlzPI: Investigating the Role of Microbes in Memory Loss

A new paper co-authored by ATRI's own Dr. Robert Rissman investigates the role of infections in the brain and how they might contribute to the development of AD. Some studies have found evidence of infection-related markers in AD patients' brains and detected various microbes in post-mortem brain samples. However, there is no standard method to diagnose brain infections in individuals showing early signs of AD. Additionally, many people doubt the connection between infections and AD due to the challenges in diagnosing and treating brain infections.

The Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative aims to address these challenges and develop a reliable diagnostic test for assessing potential brain infections in people with or at risk of AD. The initiative aims to achieve the three following objectives:

• To determine the best method(s) to characterize the microbiome in tissue samples.
• To determine which peripheral tissues are most representative of brain infection.
• Combining the first two objectives, establish a consensus protocol for clinical diagnosis of potential central nervous system (CNS) infections.

Discussion and Call for Collaboration

To accomplish these objectives, the initiative requires collaboration among experts from various fields, including neuropathologists, neurologists, diagnostic specialists, microbiologists, molecular biologists, sequencing experts, and bioinformatics and artificial intelligence specialists. Brain banks that can provide samples are encouraged to participate. The study aims to make the sequencing data available to researchers worldwide for analysis and interpretation. The hope is that this collaborative effort will lead to the development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tools using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.

Future Directions

The long-term objective of the initiative is to create a fast, cost-effective, reliable, and accurate method for identifying the presence and characteristics of microbial species in the brain of individual patients. Additionally, there is a need to develop protocols that can be used in settings with limited resources. If we can detect infectious agents and confirm that they are contributing to cognitive impairment, we could then pursue tailoring antimicrobial treatments that might reduce or stop further deterioration. 

In the future, the initiative aims to expand its analysis to other neurological conditions associated with infection, including vascular dementia, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder.

Learn more about the Initiative and get involved at their website.