Hidden Truths: What Really Causes Alzheimer’s

For years, the story we’ve been told about Alzheimer’s is simple: it’s caused by plaques and tangles that build up in the brain, and once they’re there, decline is inevitable.

But research shows this isn’t the whole picture. In fact, those plaques and tangles — made of proteins called amyloid beta and p-tau — are not random. They are part of the brain’s protective response to stress.

Amyloid Beta: The Brain’s Plaster

Amyloid beta has been portrayed as the “bad guy” in Alzheimer’s. But in reality, it acts more like a plaster or shield. When the brain is under threat — from toxins, infections, blood sugar imbalances, or inflammation — amyloid is produced to try to contain the damage.

The problem? If the underlying threats aren’t removed, amyloid keeps building up. Over time, what started as protection can block communication between brain cells.

P-tau: When the Protector Turns Problematic

Tau protein normally lives inside neurons, keeping them stable and helping signals travel smoothly. But when the brain senses ongoing stress, tau becomes phosphorylated (p-tau) and changes its role.

Instead of staying as a structural support, it shifts into a protector mode, trying to shield the cell and surrounding area. This works in the short term — but when it happens too often, p-tau forms tangles that disrupt communication and damage neurons.

So, like amyloid beta, p-tau begins as protection but becomes harmful when the stressors aren’t addressed.

ApoE: The Repair Gene

Another piece of the puzzle is the ApoE gene. If you carry the ApoE4 variant, your brain is less efficient at clearing amyloid and repairing damage.

This does increase risk, but it’s not destiny. Lifestyle, nutrition, stress, and environment all influence whether the gene “switches on.” Many people with ApoE4 never develop Alzheimer’s — and many without it still can if the underlying stressors are ignored.

The Bigger Picture

So Alzheimer’s is not simply random plaques and tangles. It’s the brain trying to defend itself against multiple insults — toxins, infections, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar swings, chronic stress, and more.

The exciting part? If you identify and reduce those triggers, you reduce the need for the brain to overproduce amyloid and p-tau. And that’s when decline can stabilise or even reverse.

The Takeaway

Alzheimer’s doesn’t have to be seen as a life sentence. Understanding the roles of amyloid beta, p-tau, and ApoE gives us a clearer picture: memory decline is not inevitable — it’s often a response to stressors that can be uncovered and addressed.

Your brain is designed to heal and rewire when given the right support.

Ready to Take Action?

Every brain is different, and so are the hidden triggers behind decline. That’s why a personalised approach is key. With the right testing, nutrition, and lifestyle changes, it is possible to protect memory, improve clarity, and reclaim confidence.

👉 Book a consultation here to start uncovering your own hidden triggers and protecting your brain health.