Unveiling Iatrogenic Alzheimer’s: A Potential Threat in Medical History
In a groundbreaking revelation, scientists have shed light
on the possibility of iatrogenic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a form acquired
through medical procedures. Alzheimer’s, known for amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition
and neurofibrillary tangles, has long been considered a complex interplay of
genetic and environmental factors. However, a recent study underscores the
environmental acquisition of AD, prompting a reevaluation of preventive
measures in medical settings.
The study results were published in the journal Nature Medicine.
The study, which builds upon previous findings on the
transmission of Aβ pathology, focused on individuals who, as children, received
cadaver-derived pituitary growth hormone (c-hGH) contaminated with both
Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) prions and Aβ seeds. While prior reports
detailed Aβ transmission in iatrogenic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (iCJD) cases,
the latest research delves into cases where recipients not only survived iCJD
but also later developed dementia and biomarker changes consistent with AD.
This discovery challenges the conventional understanding of
AD as primarily a result of genetic predisposition. Instead, it introduces the
concept of iatrogenic forms of the disease, emphasizing the need for a nuanced
approach in addressing AD’s various manifestations. The study suggests that AD,
like Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, may have acquired forms resulting from
environmental exposure during medical interventions.
While iatrogenic AD is acknowledged as rare, the
implications are far-reaching. The study stresses the importance of revisiting
and reinforcing preventive measures to minimize accidental transmissions
through medical and surgical procedures. The recognition of iatrogenic AD
highlights the potential risks associated with certain medical interventions,
necessitating a critical examination of safety protocols in healthcare
settings.
Importantly, the study clarifies that there is currently no
evidence suggesting the transmission of Aβ between individuals in daily life
activities. The risk is primarily associated with specific medical treatments,
particularly those involving growth hormone derived from cadavers.
Furthermore, the research warns of potential challenges in
therapeutic strategies targeting Aβ assemblies. As Aβ assemblies exhibit
structural diversity comparable to conventional prions, there’s a possibility
that therapeutic interventions may inadvertently select minor components,
leading to the development of resistance. This cautionary note underscores the
delicate balance required in developing effective and safe treatments for AD.
In conclusion, the revelation of iatrogenic Alzheimer’s
introduces a new dimension to the understanding of the disease. As the
scientific community grapples with these findings, the imperative for stringent
preventive measures and the careful consideration of therapeutic strategies
becomes paramount in the ongoing battle against Alzheimer’s disease.
Further reading: Banerjee, G., Farmer, S.F., Hyare, H. et al. Iatrogenic Alzheimer’s disease in recipients of cadaveric pituitary-derived growth hormone. Nat Med (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02729-2
