Pascal Geldsetzer, an epidemiologist from Stanford University, recently conducted a groundbreaking study that explores the potential link between chickenpox, shingles, and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite his belief in open access to scientific information, Geldsetzer hesitated before sharing his results on the MedRxiv preprint server due to the unconventional nature of his approach.
Geldsetzer’s study was inspired by his background in econometrics, a field that focuses on using sophisticated statistical techniques to understand cause and effect in real-world scenarios. Instead of trying to control for all variables, Geldsetzer’s methods involved identifying natural experiments, such as government policies that assign different treatments based on certain criteria. This approach allowed him to investigate the hypothesis that the shingles virus could be a contributing factor to dementia.
While social scientists have been using similar methods for years, applying them to a clinical context was relatively unexplored territory. Geldsetzer’s research opens up new possibilities for understanding the complex relationship between infectious diseases like chickenpox and shingles, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
This study sheds light on the need for innovative approaches in epidemiology and medicine to uncover hidden connections between seemingly unrelated health conditions. By embracing unconventional methods and thinking outside the box, researchers like Geldsetzer are pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry and challenging established norms in the field.
Megan Molteni, a reporter specializing in genomic medicine, neuroscience, and reproductive technology, highlights the importance of Geldsetzer’s work in bridging the gap between different disciplines. Her coverage of health and science at WIRED underscores the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing our understanding of complex diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Overall, Geldsetzer’s study serves as a reminder of the power of curiosity and creativity in scientific research. By daring to explore unconventional ideas and methodologies, researchers can uncover groundbreaking discoveries that have the potential to transform our understanding of health and disease.
