Health
Common respiratory bacteria detected in eyes of Alzheimer’s patients
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A bacterium prevalent in sinus infections and pneumonia may aggravate Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study published in Nature Communications.
The bacterium, Chlamydia pneumoniae, was found in the eyes of deceased patients with Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers from Cedars-Sinai’s Health Sciences University in California.
“The retina is directly connected with the brain. It’s a developmental extension of the brain,” lead researcher Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui, PhD, professor of neurosurgery, neurology and biomedical sciences at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University, told Fox News Digital.
COMMON HOUSEHOLD PLANT COULD HOLD KEY TO FIGHTING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Eye-brain link
The study showed that Chlamydia pneumoniae could reach the retinal tissue that lines the back of the eye and linger for several years, creating an inflammatory response potentially linked to the death of nerve cells. This could contribute to cognitive decline and could worsen Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.
A bacterium prevalent in sinus infections and pneumonia may aggravate Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study published in Nature Communications. (iStock)
The findings point to potential therapies for Alzheimer’s disease that would target inflammation and provide antibiotic treatment in the early stages of infection, according to Koronyo-Hamaoui.
“One hope of this study is that when people do present with some [symptoms of] pneumonia or atypical pneumonia or some respiratory infection, doctors should consider testing specifically for Chlamydia pneumoniae, and then give them the specific antibiotic,” the researcher said.
BRAIN TRAINING SESSIONS FOUND TO REDUCE DEMENTIA RISK IN DECADES-LONG STUDY
The infection can be identified through laboratory testing, including PCR (polymerase chain reaction), blood tests, or cultures that allow live organisms to grow for analysis.
Inside the study
The researchers examined retinal tissue samples from over 100 deceased individuals who fell into three groups: those who had Alzheimer’s disease, those who had some cognitive deficit or those who did not have the disease.
“The retina is directly connected with the brain. It’s a developmental extension of the brain,” the lead researcher said. (iStock)
They analyzed proteins, conducted genetic testing and used advanced imaging techniques on the samples. Those with Alzheimer’s disease had higher levels of the bacterium in their brains and retinal tissue compared to those who had normal cognition, the release stated.
Genetic risk
Higher levels of chlamydia pneumonia were found in those who carried the gene variant APOE4, which is an associated risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, Koronyo-Hamaoui added. The bacterium was also associated with more severe cognition decline.
Those with Alzheimer’s disease had higher levels of the bacterium in their brains and retinal tissue compared to those who had normal cognition. (iStock)
The Cedars-Sinai team also looked at human neurons and lab mice with Alzheimer’s disease, finding that Chlamydia pneumoniae was linked to increased inflammation, nerve cell death and cognitive decline, further suggesting that it may play a role in accelerating the disease.
The infection also prompted production of amyloid-beta, which is a protein known to accumulate in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s, Koronyo-Hamaoui said.
While the study points toward using the retina as a way to diagnose and monitor the disease, the researcher acknowledged that more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Experts urge caution
Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau on Long Island, New York, was not involved with the study but called the findings “interesting.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Glatt, who is also a spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, emphasized that the findings only show an association and not causation, and that much more clinical research is needed.
“It does not mean infections cause Alzheimer’s or that people should worry about past respiratory illnesses.”
“Chlamydia pneumoniae is a very common respiratory pathogen that many people are exposed to throughout their lives,” he told Fox News Digital. “While the study identifies a link between this bacterium and neurodegeneration, a standard sinus infection does not mean a patient will develop Alzheimer’s.”
The key takeaway, according to Glatt, is that the study opens new doors for potential diagnostics and treatments, but is “not a reason for immediate alarm regarding common infections.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Dr. Sharon Fekrat, MD, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a retina specialist at the Duke University School of Medicine in North Carolina, agreed that the findings could help researchers better understand how inflammation may drive disease progression and “could lead to new ways to detect or treat Alzheimer’s in the future.”
The infection also prompted production of amyloid-beta, which is a protein known to accumulate in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s. (iStock)
“This is early research suggesting that infection-related inflammation may worsen Alzheimer’s disease in people who are already vulnerable,” Fekrat, who also did not work on the study, told Fox News Digital. “It does not mean infections cause Alzheimer’s or that people should worry about past respiratory illnesses.”
What’s next
While some teams are developing and testing retinal imaging tools in living patients, those methods are not yet part of routine clinical screenings or diagnosis, Fekrat noted.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
For now, the best proven steps include following brain-healthy habits, such as managing cardiovascular risk factors, staying mentally and socially engaged, and seeking medical care for any cognitive symptoms, the expert added.
Jill Biden says Joe’s debate performance made her wonder if he had a stroke
Former first lady Jill Biden revises her account of former President Joe Biden’s disastrous 2024 debate, now alleging she feared he was suffering a stroke. This new statement from the first lady contrasts sharply with her earlier public affirmations of his performance. Contributor Ben Domenech scrutinizes the timing and motivations behind this sudden shift.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Former first lady Jill Biden has expressed her concerns about former President Joe Biden’s health status, noting that she feared he was having a stroke during a 2024 debate against President Donald Trump.
Biden struggled his way through the performance, with long periods of silence, confused facial expressions and stammered speech. In a recent interview with CBS, Jill Biden commented that she was “frightened.”
“I don’t know what happened,” she said. “I mean, when I watched it, I thought, ‘Oh my God, he’s having a stroke,’ and it scared me to death.”
JILL BIDEN SAYS SHE THOUGHT JOE WAS HAVING A STROKE DURING HIS DISASTROUS 2024 DEBATE PERFORMANCE
A stroke occurs when there is bleeding in the brain or when blood flow to the brain is blocked, according to Mayo Clinic.
Identifying a stroke may be difficult, as symptoms can vary.
Stroke symptoms can include balance loss, weakness, slurred speech, face drooping, confusion and severe headaches. (iStock)
The American Stroke Association (ASA) identifies the following key warning signs, using the acronym “B.E. F.A.S.T.”
- B – Balance loss
- E – Eye (vision) changes
- F – Face drooping
- A – Arm weakness
- S – Speech difficulty
- T – Time to call 911
In a situation in which someone could be having a stroke, “the only” thing to do is to call 911, Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel told Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
The doctor emphasized other symptoms to watch for, including weakness on one side, slurred speech, difficulty processing information and confusion.
The ASA also warns that severe headaches can also be a sign of stroke.
At the first sign of stroke, 911 should be contacted immediately, as 1.9 million brain cells die every minute that a stroke goes untreated. (iStock)
Siegel advised against giving the person an aspirin, as it could worsen bleeding in the brain if that is the cause of stroke.
With an ischemic stroke, that type of medication could be helpful.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
The ASA says 1.9 million brain cells die every minute that a stroke goes untreated, which means earlier treatment leads to higher survival rates and lower risk of disability.
“In medicine, we use the term ‘time is brain,’” Siegel said. “This means that the faster you bring the patient to the emergency room, the faster they can receive emergency treatment if indicated to reopen the blocked artery in the brain, if there is one.”
Brain imaging should be done within the first several hours after seeking medical attention for a stroke, according to a top physician. (iStock)
Brain imaging can also be done on arrival at the ER, which should occur within the first several hours, Siegel said.
Anyone who is experiencing a stroke should not drive themselves to the hospital, according to the CDC. Instead, the person should get a ride or call 911 — as treatment begins inside the ambulance.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
About 80% of strokes are preventable, the American Heart Association states.
Prevention includes managing high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and other risk factors.
One in four survivors have another stroke within the next five years, per CDC data, so those at higher risk should prepare a prevention and treatment plan.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital’s Alexander Hall contributed to this report.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Top stories
→ Single infusion of controversial drug changed severe depression symptoms within hours
→ What to know about thyroid cancer prognosis following Pam Bondi’s diagnosis
→ Tick bite ER visits are spiking as doctors warn of disease surge
Approximately 71 per 100,000 ER visits were tick-related in April, more than double the historical average. (iStock)
Health in the kitchen
→ Popular fruit may help protect your skin from the sun, new study suggests
→ Diet change tied to ‘younger’ biological age in older adults
→ Filtered water at specific ages could add months to lifespan decades later
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“The changes in gene expression [from eating grapes] indicated improvements in skin health,” one researcher said. (iStock)
Conversation starters
→ Finding sleep ‘sweet spot’ could help you live longer, study suggests
→ ‘Wild West’ peptide craze surges beyond GLP-1s, FDA to consider easing access
→ One type of sitting may pose greater dementia risk
Health
Single infusion of controversial drug changed severe depression symptoms within hours, study finds
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
People experiencing severe depression with suicidal symptoms may not have to wait weeks for traditional antidepressants to take effect.
A recent review suggests that a single intravenous ketamine infusion can provide rapid relief for some patients.
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is a medicine that can reduce pain and, in some cases, help treat depression, but it can also be misused as a recreational drug, experts warn.
SINGLE DOSE OF POWERFUL PSYCHEDELIC CUTS DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN CLINICAL STUDY
Researchers from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine reviewed 26 clinical trials that included more than 1,100 patients. Approximately 626 received ketamine and 540 served as controls who did not take the drug.
Most of the trials included patients with major depressive disorder, but 11.5% included those with bipolar depression and 7.7% included people with both unipolar and bipolar depressive diagnoses.
A recent review suggests that a single intravenous ketamine infusion can provide rapid relief for some patients with treatment-resistant depression. (iStock)
Compared to a placebo, a single treatment significantly reduced depression in just four hours and dramatically lowered suicidal thoughts within 24 hours, the study found.
Patients reported fewer depressive symptoms after a week and reduced suicidal thoughts for up to a month after one ketamine infusion. Those who received repeated ketamine infusions showed a similar reduction of suicidal and depressive symptoms at the end of the treatment.
WHAT IS KETAMINE THERAPY? MORMON REALITY STARS TOUT CONTROVERSIAL TREATMENT
The most common adverse effects of ketamine – including headaches, numbness, dissociation (“out of body” experiences), nausea, dizziness and visual disturbances – were temporary and resolved within hours of the infusion.
Rarer, more serious side events included hospitalization, suicide attempts and suicide, but most were unrelated to ketamine, the review stated.
The analysis was published in May in JAMA Psychiatry.
Treatment-resistant depression
Major depressive disorder is a formal psychiatric diagnosis affecting approximately 280 million people globally, according to recent research.
Effective treatment involves a combination of therapy and medication, frequently antidepressants. However, for a few patients, symptoms do not respond to multiple therapies, a condition known as treatment-resistant depression, doctors say.
“When all existing treatment options fail, patients with severe depression could consider ketamine infusions.”
These patients are at a higher risk of very serious, sometimes tragic consequences, including suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and death.
“When all existing treatment options fail, patients with severe depression could consider ketamine infusions,” lead author Taeho Greg Rhee, PhD, of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, told Fox News Digital. “This is still a safer option when compared to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).”
Compared to a placebo, a single treatment significantly reduced depression in just four hours and dramatically lowered suicidal thoughts within 24 hours, the study found. (iStock)
Traditional antidepressants stabilize mood by slowly elevating serotonin levels in the brain, but it can take weeks for the full effect to be achieved.
Ketamine, in contrast, works rapidly by blocking glutamate, a neurotransmitter that can impact emotions negatively when levels are too high in the brain, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Implications for care
The authors say their findings have two important potential clinical applications.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
First, ketamine’s rapid effects can be a life-saving treatment in the emergency room for patients presenting with suicidal ideation.
Experts caution that the medication should only be administered in closely monitored settings, such as clinics, to ensure safe treatment. (iStock)
Second, the effects of a single ketamine infusion are relatively short-lived – as almost all patients relapsed with depressive symptoms after a single infusion – so those with treatment-resistant depression will need repeated sessions.
“While intravenous ketamine is not yet FDA-approved for treating depression, it may still be used with off-label indications for those with severe depression and/or with a high risk of suicidal behaviors,” said Rhee.
Experts urge caution despite promise
Dr. Lama Bazzi, a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City, has had several patients receive ketamine infusions.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“For a small subset of patients in a major depressive episode or struggling with suicidal thoughts, intravenous ketamine can be genuinely lifesaving,” Bazzi, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. “The relief they experience is almost immediate, offering them distance from the intensity of their emotions.”
However, she cautions that the medication should only be administered in closely monitored settings, such as clinics, to ensure safe treatment.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Ketamine is not a panacea, Rhee agreed, warning of the potential risk of abuse and addiction.
“It should only be used medically,” he advised.
Ketamine’s rapid effects can be a life-saving treatment in the emergency room for patients presenting with suicidal ideation, some experts claim. (Getty Images)
Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, noted in previous comments to Fox News Digital that ketamine is increasingly being used to treat severe depression, but emphasized that it should be administered under careful medical supervision because of its potential risks.
Study limitations
Although the studies compared ketamine with a placebo, some patients may have realized they were receiving the drug. This could have influenced how they reported their symptoms and how effective they perceived the treatment to be, according to the researchers.
“It should only be used medically.”
Another limitation is the small sample size of the studies, which could make the effects seem disproportionately magnified.
Also, as this was a review of many different studies, it is challenging to apply the findings to the general population, the researchers noted.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“While long-term outcomes have not been studied, I believe that when patients are severely depressed or suicidal, ketamine is sometimes the only choice that almost always works,” Bazzi added.
Anyone interested in exploring alternative depression treatments should first consult a doctor.
-
Florida4 minutes ago‘She was smashed’: Florida woman accused of driving onto golf course while intoxicated
-
Georgia11 minutes agoLIVE UPDATES: Georgia Baseball vs Liberty – Regionals Game Two Updates and Scores
-
Hawaii14 minutes agoMind-bending mural brings greenery into the city
-
Idaho19 minutes agoIdaho Chukar Foundation hosts rattlesnake, skunk, and porcupine avoidance training
-
Illinois26 minutes agoDriver injured after crashing through two garages, hitting two houses in Niles: police
-
Indiana29 minutes agoMooresville police officer involved in ‘serious crash,’ investigation underway
-
Iowa34 minutes agoU.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek spends Saturday campaigning in eastern Iowa
-
Kansas41 minutes agoSheriff: 2 Kansas suspects arrested, stolen items recovered
