Herpes simplex virus reactivation and the relationship with Alzheimer's disease: A countering view

Abstract

Many have described the molecular mechanisms underpinning the viral etiology of Alzheimer's disease. This commentary challenges this premise by discussing evidence that Herpes simplex virus reactivation reduces progression to Alzheimer's disease, and also proposing that viral reactivation is a compensatory reaction to other causal exposures in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology.