Several sources reported in the first quarter of 2019 on the discovery of Candida during autopsies of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
At the end of this text, I will share my own conclusion with regard to children who are still developing — because logically, this issue does not concern only elderly people in the final stages of life, but also individuals who are still in phases of growth and development.
So far, a number of factors are known that may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s. These include, in particular, an unhealthy diet, a lack of antioxidants and vital nutrients, as well as exposure to heavy metals. Spanish researchers have now identified fungal infections in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients — a finding that currently raises many questions about the true causes of Alzheimer’s and the therapeutic possibilities that may follow from this discovery.
Is a fungal infection the cause of Alzheimer’s?
Scientists around the world are currently asking whether a fungal infection could be the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s. Just last year, the research team led by Diana Pisa in Spain made a major discovery while examining deceased Alzheimer’s patients.
Tissue from the central nervous system of these patients contained fungal cells and fungal filaments. This fungal material was found in several regions of the brain.
Fungal infections were also detected in the blood vessels, which could help explain the vascular dementia that is frequently observed in people with Alzheimer’s. Vascular dementia refers to a form of dementia that develops as a result of impaired blood circulation in the brain.
When the fungal DNA was analysed, several different fungal species were identified. In addition, the immune system appeared to be on high alert, as increased levels of antimicrobial peptides were produced — peptides that are also active against the yeast Candida albicans.
Antimicrobial peptides are proteins produced by the body itself and form an integral part of the immune system.
The impact of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that affects the brain. It is characterised by the slow, progressive loss of nerve cells. In the brains of people with Alzheimer’s, the typical amyloid plaques (protein deposits) can be found.
These deposits lead to memory problems and disorientation, as well as impairments in thinking and judgement. In addition, substances responsible for transmitting information between nerve cells — the so-called neurotransmitters — are no longer produced in sufficient amounts, which further contributes to a general decline in brain performance.
Most patients also show clear signs of inflammation in the central nervous system, along with damage to the blood vessels.
Another possible cause of Alzheimer’s?
Scientists are now debating whether the inflammation — and the resulting activation of the immune system — may develop as a consequence of these newly discovered fungal infections.
Other researchers, however, argue that Alzheimer’s could be an infectious disease, as herpes simplex viruses and bacteria known to cause pneumonia have also been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. These pathogens, too, may therefore play a contributing role in the development of Alzheimer’s.
A new therapy for Alzheimer’s?
At present, conventional medicine sadly offers no cure for Alzheimer’s. Treatment focuses primarily on alleviating symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.
The idea that a fungal infection could be a contributing cause in the development of Alzheimer’s now opens up entirely new perspectives — not only for more effective therapeutic approaches for people affected by Alzheimer’s, but also for meaningful and proactive prevention strategies.
Source: https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/alzheimer-pilzinfektion-ia.html
Conclusion by Gregor Schäfer:
Anyone who has raised children — especially babies — will be familiar with what’s known as thrush or nappy thrush, also referred to as nappy dermatitis. Conventional medicine typically prescribes treatments such as Multilind or similar products containing nystatin, and, if needed, nystatin is also given as an oral emulsion administered into the mouth with a pipette.
Those who take a closer look at the survival strategies of fungi know that eliminating them can be a difficult task. The fungus can initially “withdraw” until symptoms disappear, latch itself into the folds of the intestinal walls — and remain there.
Because babies and young children are often fed large amounts of sugar and short-chain carbohydrates, bloating — sometimes real “drum bellies” — can be an indication of fermentation processes. Since the fungus produces fusel alcohols, children may not only experience a sugar “high” but can also appear slightly intoxicated (lowered inhibitions, increased silliness or hyperactivity). Sweet juices, fizzy drinks, ice cream and biscuits do anything but help in this situation.
If Candida passes through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, it can survive there for a very long time — even for decades. The blood sugar level continuously supplies it with nourishment. With certain substances that can open the blood–brain barrier (such as citric acid, aluminium and mercury — for example through vaccinations — glutamates, and others), Candida may also reach the brain.
The possible consequence: developmental disorders or developmental delays of the brain in children.
Poor concentration, delayed maturation, weaker language development, and reduced frustration tolerance can all be indicators — essentially many of the traits commonly associated with ADD/ADHD.
Diagnosing a fungal infection is difficult. Treating it in a child is even more challenging: garlic, oregano, coconut oil or fat, chilli, and other antifungal, systemic substances are hardly favourites on a (young) child’s menu.
If you would like my personal perspective on this, feel free to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Gregor Schäfer
