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IVIG and Cognitive Health

“Could IVIG Support Brain Health?”

Every second of every day, your immune system chats with your brain. When those conversations are healthy, neurons fire, memories form and thoughts feel crisp. When immunity misfires, low-grade inflammation can cloud that clarity. IVIG therapy, long approved to treat immune-deficiency, now has scientists asking a new question:

Could IVIG’s immune-balancing talent support cognitive performance?

What is IVIG?

IVIG is a purified collection of antibodies derived from healthy donors' blood plasma. For decades, IVIG has been an FDA-approved therapy for immune deficiencies and certain autoimmune diseases. It works by providing a broad mix of strong, well-trained antibodies that are delivered intravenously. Once inside you, those antibodies can bolster a weakened immune system or "coach" an overactive immune system to settle down.

Why the Brain Cares About Immunity

Emerging science is revealing a powerful link between the immune system and brain health. Chronic inflammation – the persistent activation of immune cells – is believed to accelerate memory loss and cognitive decline. When the body’s immune system is overactive or misfiring, inflammatory signals can affect the brain’s own immune cells. Over time, high inflammation may damage neurons or disrupt neural circuits involved in memory and thinking.

For example, researchers have found that brain inflammation correlates with worse connectivity between brain regions and poorer cognition in early Alzheimer’s. The theory is that an overheated immune system might accelerate processes that lead to plaques, tangles, or small vessel damage in the brain.

Using this framework, calming the immune system down could be a strategy to protect the brain. IVIG, a potent immune modulator, is now being studied as one way to possibly dial back abnormal inflammation in the brain. In fact, neuroinflammation has been proposed as a target for new immunotherapies to slow or prevent dementia

The bottom line: A healthier immune balance translates to a healthier brain, and IVIG is a tool researchers are examining to achieve that balance.

The Research

Early data offer mixed but informative signals. Large trials confirm IVIG is well‑tolerated; smaller studies and case reports hint at cognitive benefits in tightly defined groups.

IVIG may slow decline in some people

A study of the cognitive benefit of IVIG in moderate Alzheimer’s disease did not validate a direct link. However, there were indications that certain subgroups – for example, patients with milder symptoms or particular genetic profiles – might have experienced slower decline due to IVIG.

"A phase 3 trial of IV immunoglobulin for Alzheimer disease", Neurology, April 5, 2017;

IVIG lowered brain shrinkage

Researchers treated 50 people with early memory problems using five IVIG infusions over ten weeks. After a year, their brains had shrunk less and they moved toward Alzheimer’s about five months more slowly, but the advantage faded within five years, so scientists still need to refine the treatment schedule.

"IVIG treatment of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease", Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry,

Rapid cognitive recovery after IVIG

A 60‑year‑old with COVID‑related autoimmune encephalitis had marked recovery of attention, memory and mood after a five‑day IVIG course, with benefits maintained on bi‑weekly maintenance for two years.

"Treatment of Cognitive Deficits and Behavioral Symptoms...", Cureus, Dec 25, 2023

Candidate Profile

IVIG for cognition is not for everyone. Ideal candidates are people who:

Adults 45–75 with a family history of dementia or cognitive decline
Individuals tracking neuro-inflammation markers (C-reactive protein, IL-6 or TNF-α) who struggle to normalise them through lifestyle.
Current Superior Associate patients with immune dysregulation seeking an integrative plan.

Contact Us

For more information, and to book an appointment with Dr. Bouboulis for an evaluation, reach out to us using the form below:

Disclaimer: IVIG for cognitive preservation is investigational. Results may vary. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. All evaluations in this arena are private-pay (self-funded).