Risk of Neurodegeneration in Patients with Morgellons Disease: A Focus on the Potential Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s

Abstract

Morgellons disease is a distressing dermatologic condition that typically presents with multiple, non-healing skin lesions with filamentous protrusions. Initial presentation of the condition can often include various neurological symptoms with dermatologic symptoms. Common neurological symptoms include neuropathy, cognitive impairment, and dementia. Recent studies reveal that spirochetes are a causative agent of Morgellons disease. Chronic spirochete infection is strongly associated with neurodegeneration seen in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This paper will provide a brief overview of Morgellons and Alzheimer’s disease and will explore the possible risk of developing Alzheimer’s in Morgellons patients.