In this post we’ve grouped articles and reports on several (independent) risk factors that have been reported in the past several years.

The first is the effects of the brain-dwelling parasite Toxoplasma gondii, often transmitted to humans by contact with cat feces.

Media article:

http://www.sciencealert.com/mind-altering-parasite-transmitted-by-cats-linked-to-several-brain-disorders

Research report:

Toxoplasma Modulates Signature Pathways of Human Epilepsy, Neurodegeneration & Cancer

Next is a study of how hearing loss could portend a greater risk for dementia later in life.

Media article:

Hearing loss could pose greater risk of potential dementia in later life – study

Research report:

SELF-REPORTED HEARING LOSS, COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE, AND RISK OF MCI: FINDINGS FROM THE WISCONSIN REGISTRY FOR ALZHEIMER’S PREVENTION

Next is a study on how, contrary to being purely negative (and presumably a primary sign of Alzheimer’s), the accumulation of amyloid beta may in fact be a response to the presence of infection.

Media articles:

Antimicrobial Mechanism Gone Rogue May Play Role in Alzheimer’s Disease

Human amyloid-beta acts as natural antibiotic in the brain: Alzheimer’s-associated amyloid plaques may trap microbes

Research abstract:

Amyloid-β peptide protects against microbial infection in mouse and worm models of Alzheimer’s disease.

Finally is a study of the interaction of certain heart treatments and the possible increase in potential for dementia.

Media article:

Warfarin, AF May Each Contribute to Dementia Risk in Atrial Fibrillation

Medical media article:

Among warfarin users, patients with AF at increased risk for dementia

All links have been added to Alzheimer’s > Risk Factors