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Ben Readhead, ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center.

Alzheimer’s disease is maybe best described as both unforgiving and perplexing.

Today, researchers still don’t know what causes it, and there are no real prevention options. When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the conversation quickly turns to managing the disease rather than curing it.

But some new research might provide a clue as to what’s behind it.

Scientists at the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center conducted a first-of-its kind study that shows presence of viruses, like two common herpes viruses HHV6a and HHV7, in the brain could be an important link.

MORE: Study: Alzheimer's Disease Could Be Linked To Viruses Acquired Early In Life

The Show sat down with Ben Readhead, the lead author of the study, to talk more about what this means.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story and headline have been updated to clarify the type of herpes virus linked in the study. HHV6a and HHV7 are two of nine members of the human herpesvirus family, and not the same as the commonly known HSV1 and HSV2 (herpes simplex) viruses.