Infections outside the brain may speed memory decline in Alzheimer's disease, UK researchers say.
In a study of 222 elderly people with Alzheimer's they found that getting infections in places like the chest or urinary tract could double memory loss.
The Southampton University researchers think this leads to higher levels of an inflammatory protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in the blood.
They say better care to prevent infections is very important. (BBC News)