See ALS programs. Also called Alzheimer. Chronic neurodegenerative illness. Other use: dyslexia.Encyclopedia Entry for Alzheimers :Alzheimers. Can be caused by fungal infections, the bacteria Chlamydia Pneumoniae,Helicobacter pylori, Mycoplasma Fermentans, a type of spiral-shaped bacteria called Spirochaetes and by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Is associated with Herpes simplex virus 1, in individuals who possess the APOE-4 form of the APOE gene (APOE-4 enables the herpes virus to enter the brain), HHV-6a and HHV-7.Information from Marcello Allegretti.