In the bad news department: A new study reported in the scientific journal Neurology suggests that people with high levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) may be more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. TNF-alpha is a cytokine–a type of protein that helps cells communicate–that is elevated in psoriasis patients. As Reuters noted in Inflammation may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease:
individuals with the highest production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha were 30 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those with the lowest production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
Silver lining department: Some of the biologics approved to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis work by reducing levels of TNF-alpha. Wouldn’t it be nice if scientists someday can show that the treatments many psoriasis patients must take to treat their disease may have other health benefits?
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