Dr. Scott Mendelson, author of the book, "Beyond Alzheimer's: How to Avoid the Modern Epidemic of Dementia," is a psychiatrist in Roseburg, Ore. who writes for the Huffington Post.
I asked him about the debate among scientists about whether the "plaques" and "tangles" that are hallmarks of Alzheimer's are actually caused by the disease or byproducts of the neurodegeneration that takes place. And here is his reply:
"You ask a very interesting question. What appears to be the case is that the 'plaques and tangles' are both the cause and byproducts of the disease.
There is a big circle of damaging processes in the illness. Thus, for example, accumulation of amyloid plaque can cause inflammation and poor blood supply that can cause oxidative damage and other lesions. In turn, inflammation and oxidative stress can increase deposition of amyloid. Thus, the illness can begin with inflammation and oxidative damage, or with a genetic predisposition to amyloid deposition. There are many such 'circles' of damage in the illness than can be generated by different problems. I hope this oversimplified answer is helpful."
There is a big circle of damaging processes in the illness. Thus, for example, accumulation of amyloid plaque can cause inflammation and poor blood supply that can cause oxidative damage and other lesions. In turn, inflammation and oxidative stress can increase deposition of amyloid. Thus, the illness can begin with inflammation and oxidative damage, or with a genetic predisposition to amyloid deposition. There are many such 'circles' of damage in the illness than can be generated by different problems. I hope this oversimplified answer is helpful."
Read Dr. Scott Mendelson's "The Unfortunate NIH Report on Alzheimer's Disease"
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