New research suggests that Alzheimer’s disease may develop from infections in the brain. Some researchers believe that infections may cause buildup in the brain that can increase the chances of getting Alzheimer’s. “For a long time, researchers believed that a protein called amyloid beta had a role in causing Alzheimer’s by building up plaque in the brain that destroyed its ability to make connections, ultimately leading to memory loss. Now, the new research…suggests that amyloid buildup may actually happen as a protective measure when the brain is trying to fight off infections, and that Alzheimer’s disease may be caused when an infection causes too much amyloid buildup. As people age, it may be easier for infections to reach the brain, triggering the amyloid and spurring the cascade of problems that lead to the disease.” While more research is needed, these new findings could change the way scientists and doctors approach, understand, and treat this disease.