Could this common bacteria in the eye be driving Alzheimer's disease?

• Research has suggested that changes in the eye may help detect Alzheimer’s disease.
• A new study found that a common type of bacteria that causes sinus infections may stay in the eye for many years, potentially increasing a person’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
• Scientists believe the identification of these bacteria may help detect and develop new treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease.

We have known for some time that changes in the eye may help detect Alzheimer’s disease — a type of dementia affecting about 32 million people globally.

Previous research has linked Alzheimer’s disease detection to certain eye conditions, including dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract, glaucoma, and posterior cortical atrophy.

Past studies also show that structural changes to the eye, such as blood vessel damage or modifications in retinal thickening, may be signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

Now, a new study published in the journal Nature Communications reports that a common type of bacteria that causes sinus infections and pneumonia may stay in the eye for many years, potentially boosting a person’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists believe the identification of the bacteria may help create new detection and treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease.