Marco Aurélio Gomes Veado
3 min read
•
July 29, 2025
For decades, the dominant theory behind Alzheimer’s disease has revolved around the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. These proteins, believed to damage neurons and disrupt communication between brain cells, have been the primary targets of both diagnosis and treatment. But what if this theory is incomplete, or even wrong?
Emerging research is challenging the long-held assumptions. Some scientists now propose that Alzheimer’s could be an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells. Others suggest vascular issues, chronic inflammation, or even gut-brain interactions may play a key role in the onset and progression of the disease.
If plaques and tangles do not solely cause Alzheimer’s, then many current treatments may be targeting the wrong problem. That could explain why so many clinical trials have failed so far.
A deeper understanding of underlying mechanisms could pave the way for more effective therapies and preventive strategies.
More evidence points to the importance of sleep, diet, physical activity, and mental health in maintaining cognitive function.
After all, could Alzheimer’s be, at least in part, a lifestyle-related illness? If so, prevention could be far more powerful than we ever imagined.
It's time to think differently about Alzheimer’s. The more we explore new hypotheses, the closer we get to real answers and hope. Let’s support diverse research, ask bold questions, and keep pushing the boundaries of what we think we know.
Pay a visit to MCI and Beyond to learn more about innovative ideas shaping dementia care.
#AlzheimersAwareness #BrainHealth #Neurodiversity #MCIandBeyond #DementiaCare #NewThinking #CognitiveHealth