Infectious diseases are suggested to increase the long-term risk of dementia, including AD.1 This is supported by research of hospital-treated infections, with evidence that infections occurring more than 10 years before the onset of dementia may also be associated with excess risk.1 Of hospital-treated infections, infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are associated with the highest risk.1 However, increased risk of dementia is not limited to CNS infections.1
Learn more about infections and alzheimer’s disease
Related content
Social and physical exposome factors—like poverty, pollution, and inequality—accumulate over time, shaping biological aging and cognitive decline. Through inflammation and cellular stress, these exposures drive neurodegeneration, highlighting the need for longitudinal, integrative research.
The exposome reframes dementia as the product of cumulative physical and social exposures-like pollution, nutrition, and inequality-across life. These factors shape brain aging through inflammation and epigenetic change. Lifespan, global studies are key to equitable dementia prevention.
