Local Researcher Working On Link Between A Respiratory Infection And Alzheimer's
By Lynne Adkins
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A local researcher is studying a possible link between a respiratory infection and Alzheimer's in older citizens.
Dr. Brian Balin, a professor of Biomedical Sciences at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, says there is a link between a respiratory form of Chlamydia and inflammation in the brain leading to Alzheimer's.
"It goes into the body through respiration and can go into the olfactory regions of our noses where we have the sense of smell located, and can use the receptors for sense of smell to become infected, and then enter into the brain."
He says the infection can be detected through a blood test or by checking changes in the sense of smell. If treated early, it could prevent the infection from entering the brain.
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