Alzheimer's disease
Education on Alzheimer's disease and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin research from the Mark Egly Foundation, with patent claims clearly labeled as hypothesis.
Research hypothesis, not medical advice
The connections described on this page come from Mark Egly's patent filing and ongoing research. They are not established medical facts. Always work with your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Research hypothesis. The connection between Alzheimer's disease and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is described in Mark Egly's 2020 patent filing. This is not established medical fact and is not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor about your own health.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a health condition discussed in Mark Egly's research on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin. Neurological conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. The patent explores links between AAT levels and certain neurodegenerative processes.
What Mark Egly's patent discusses
Excessive neutrophil elastase ("NE") is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease, commonly known simply as "Alzheimer's," is a progressive disorder that causes brain cells to degenerate and die, also known as demyelination. Patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease experience memory loss and loss of cognitive function. Inflammation is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Excess serine proteases such as NE, cathepsin G, proteinase 3, etc., have been shown to contribute to disease pathogenesis by their buildup and formation of lesions in the brain. Nielsen et al showed that Alzheimer's disease is characterized by inflammation which may be controlled by serine protease inhibitors such as AAT. When bacterial or viral control is not necessary, as in the case of Alzheimer's disease, serine protease activity of neutrophils is unnecessary, and neutralization of excess serine proteases is indicated to eliminate inflammation in the most effective and efficient manner. AAT acts as an inhibitor of NE. Alzheimer's disease can be reversed through the inhibition of neutrophil adhesion where neutrophil extracellular traps can become present or are currently present. Administration…
How this may relate to Alpha-1
Mark Egly's patent proposes that when the body has too little working Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, or when neutrophils release too much neutrophil elastase, inflammation and tissue damage may worsen. For Alzheimer's disease, the patent suggests that testing for AATD or low circulating AAT could help guide care. This is a research hypothesis, not a proven treatment path for everyone with this condition.
What you can do
If you or a family member lives with Alzheimer's disease, consider learning about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and discussing AAT testing with your healthcare team. The Mark Egly Foundation offers education and community support: