A recently released report unveils the discovery of the first five cases of Treatment-Related Alzheimer’s Disease. The report not only highlights these five cases but also raises essential questions about the relationship between medical interventions and Alzheimer’s disease, offering a fresh perspective on the intricate complexities of this prevalent and challenging neurological disorder.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss that significantly interferes with social and occupational functioning. It is the most common cause of dementia. The symptoms often include confusion, difficulty in problem-solving, and changes in behavior. This unprecedented revelation introduces a new dimension to our understanding of Alzheimer’s, suggesting a potential connection between certain medical treatments and the onset of this debilitating condition.
While dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, cognitive function, and daily life activities, Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline.
Uncovering the Link between Alzheimer’s Disease and Childhood Treatment
The recent uncovering of the first five cases was in the United Kingdom where individuals developed Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as a result of medical treatment they received during their childhood. This discovery marks the first known cases of Alzheimer Disease (AD) acquired through medical means in living individuals.
Historical Human Growth Hormone (c-hGH )Therapy and Consequences
The treatment involved the use of human growth hormone (c-hGH) extracted from cadaver pituitary glands. Between 1958 and 1985, approximately 30,000 children worldwide received human growth hormone (c-hGH) extracted from cadaver pituitary glands for genetic disorders and growth hormone deficiencies.
The use of this therapy was discontinued in 1985 due to the discovery that batches of c-hGH were contaminated with disease-causing prions, leading to the deaths of three patients in the United States from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Subsequent research revealed that these contaminated batches also contained amyloid-beta protein, which was found to be transmissible even decades later.
Study Shows Iatrogenic Alzheimer’s Possibility
The affected individuals in this study received the c-hGH treatment using a method called Wilhelmi or Hartree-modified Wilhelmi preparation (HWP). They developed neurologic symptoms consistent with AD between the ages of 38 and 55. Biomarker analyses confirmed the AD diagnosis in two patients, while other cases showed brain imaging abnormalities, elevated cerebrospinal fluid markers, or evidence of amyloid-beta deposits on autopsy.
The study suggests that these cases represent a form of iatrogenic Alzheimer’s disease, emphasizing the potential transmission of amyloid-beta pathology. The researchers propose that AD, like other prion diseases, can have three etiologies: sporadic, inherited, and rare acquired forms, or iatrogenic AD.
The findings also prompt a review of measures to prevent accidental transmission of amyloid-beta through other medical or surgical procedures. The study implies potential similarities in disease processes between AD and CJD, which could have implications for understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
Implications and Call for Caution
While the research sheds light on a unique aspect of AD transmission, some experts urge caution in interpreting the results. They emphasize the complexity of the cases and the difficulty in excluding the contribution of various medical interventions individuals underwent earlier in life. Nonetheless, the study underscores the importance of considering amyloid-beta seeds as potential targets for early prevention and emphasizes the need for cautious practices in surgical procedures and therapeutic biologics derived from human sources.
It’s essential to note that the study was supported by various organizations, and the lead author has affiliations with an academic spin-out company working in the field of prion disease diagnosis, decontamination, and therapeutics.
This study was supported by the Medical Research Council, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the NIHR University College of London Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Alzheimer’s Research UK, and the Stroke Association.
Sources
Kelli Whitlock Burton (2024, January 29). First Cases of Medically Acquired Alzheimer’s Disease Reported. Medscape https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/first-cases-medically-acquired-alzheimers-disease-reported-2024a10001ys?ecd=WNL_trdalrt_pos1_240130_etid6278670&uac=472683PR&impID=6278670
Mayo Clinic Staff (n.d) Alzheimer’s Disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447
Author: Amaka O
Amaka (She/her) is a physician, public health professional, and writer. Most of her articles cover topics on health and wellness trends. Due to her passion for preventive health, she promotes healthier lifestyle among people through health education. Her mission is to contribute toward reducing the burden of disease on people and reducing the health disparities among the diverse minority populations. She holds a bachelors degree in medicine and a master's degree in public health.
