For decades, Ruth Itzhaki has pursued an idea that many in the Alzheimer’s research community were reluctant to take seriously: that herpes simplex virus type 1, the virus best known for causing cold sores, is also a major cause of Alzheimer’s disease in genetically vulnerable people. But as a different hypothesis became dominant in her field, Itzhaki found herself struggling to secure funding and recognition for her work.In this episode: What happens when a scientist spends a lifetime pursuing an idea that most of her field doesn’t find convincing? And where does Ruth Itzhaki’s idea stand today?  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices