Epidemiologiska modeller för herpesvirusets roll i kognitiv svikt

Sammanfattning: Introduction: Cognitive impairment is converted for 15% to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is incurable. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) and its interaction with allele ε4 of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE-ε4) may be possible risk factors for cognitive impairment. Here, suggestions for implementation of Precision Public Health (PPH) is also presented; population studies of relevant biomarkers of infectious burden and data from health outcomes with the aim of remedying public health crises, monitoring diseases, anticipating risks and using public health initiatives adapted to risk groups to increase understanding of diseases, such as AD. Method: An analysis of 1013 people aged 75 from the cohort, Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS), was performed. Linear mixed models (LMM) were used to investigate whether anti-HSV1 IgG and ApoE-ε4 are associated with risk of developing cognitive impairment over 5 years. Anti-HSV1 IgG in serum was detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and cognitive impairment was examined by Mini Mental State Examination. Results: Neither anti-HSV1 IgG positivity nor its interaction with ApoE-ε4 were associated with cognitive impairment. Discussion: Studies of HSV1 without HSV2 or HSV show mixed results. Therefore, we do not yet have sufficient evidence to implement PPH-interventions against these risks. Other cognitive tests that are more sensitive to early changes and adjustment for underrepresented groups may potentially contribute to a more accurate analysis.