Harvard researchers unveil new Alzheimer's theory

A protein called beta amyloid, long considered the bad actor in Alzheimer’s, actually plays a positive role in fighting off bacteria and fungus in mice, worms and cells, the researchers showed in a new paper in Science Translational Medicine. Assuming that’s also true in people, it suggests that getting rid of amyloid, as some drug trials have tried, could be dangerous, and approaches that stimulate the immune system could be safer and more effective.

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This view also adds weight to the idea that adequate exercise, high quality sleep, healthy diet and other lifestyle factors like treating gum disease can help prevent Alzheimer’s