Title: The link between Dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's diseases and Lyme Borreliosis ; A Review
Authors: Barbaros CET?N
Volume: 9
Issue: 6
Pages: 1-6
Publication Date: 2025/06/28
Abstract:
Dementia constitutes a significant global health challenge, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that over 55 million individuals are currently affected, a figure expected to rise to 78 million by 2030 and 132 million by 2050. Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia, accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases, and its incidence continues to escalate, leading to substantial disability and mortality worldwide. The economic burden of Alzheimer's and other related dementias is projected to reach $16.9 trillion by 2050. Alzheimer's remains the fifth leading cause of death among Americans age 65 and older. While deaths from stroke, heart disease, and HIV decreased between 2000 and 2021, reported deaths from AD increased by more than 140%. (1-5) Recent research has begun to investigate the potential role of infectious agents in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that certain bacterial infections may contribute to its pathophysiology. In particular, Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete responsible for Lyme borreliosis, has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative conditions. Studies have identified the presence of Borrelia spirochetes in the brains of patients diagnosed with dementia, and these bacteria have been found in close association with amyloid plaques, raising the possibility that chronic infections may trigger an immune response that exacerbates plaque formation and neurodegeneration. In summary, the results from the reviewed studies provide substantial evidence of a link between Borrelia burgdorferi infection and the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. The presence of Borrelia spirochetes in AD brain tissue, their association with amyloid plaques, and the inflammatory response they induce suggest that chronic infections could play a significant role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.