To What Degree Does Cytomegalovirus Contribute to Neurodegenerative Conditions?
Review examines evidence linking human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative pathology, citing epidemiological cohorts (e.g., SALSA), PCR detection of HCMV in dementia brains, and preclinical models showing tau pathology and neuroinflammation. Authors note heterogeneous human findings and propose testing antiviral therapies, vaccines, or microbiome interventions to clear or modulate HCMV latency and determine causal impact on Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia risk.
Why it mattersHigh HCMV seropositivity linked to cognitive decline implies prioritizing antiviral/vaccine trials for Alzheimer's prevention.