Physician turned publisher Leslie Norins, MD, PhD, wants to know if Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, is caused by a germ. Dr. Norins is willing to give $1 million of his own money to anyone who can clarify this theory, NPR reports.
Although millions of dollars have been given to Alzheimer's research over the years, not much money has gone to investigating infection in causing dementia until recently.
But Dr. Norins' "germ theory" of Alzheimer's goes back to the early 1900s, with researchers noting a potential link between the newly identified dementia and tuberculosis. If the germ theory becomes more widespread, it could prompt a significant change in how physicians treat the disease.
To gather interest in the germ theory of Alzheimer's, Dr. Norins started public benefit corporation Alzheimer's Germ Quest in 2017.
"From a two-year review of the scientific literature, I believe it's now clear that just one germ — identity not yet specified, and possibly not yet discovered — causes most [Alzheimer's disease]. I'm calling it the 'Alzheimer's Germ,'" Dr. Norins said.
In July, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, in collaboration with Dr. Norins, said it plans to offer two $50,000 grants supporting research into a microbial association with Alzheimer's.
Dr. Norins says this is the first time a leading infectious disease group acknowledged the disease might be microbial.