A new study has demonstrated that the zika virus, a mosquito borne virus, can cause brain damage similar to Alzheimer’s disease.

Previous to this study, it was believed that the virus only had a major effect on pregnant women. The infection had been connected to a condition called microcephaly, a disease that causes newborns to develop small heads and brain damage. Because of this, pregnant women are cautioned about the virus; however, it was often overlooked that zika could inflict damage on an adult brain.

Scientists conducted experiments on mice by giving them an infection similar to that of the zika virus. To many scientists, the results were unexpected. “The majority of adults who are infected with the virus rarely show detectable symptoms,” Professor Sujan Shrestra, member of the La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology, told The Independent, “[Zika’s] effect on the adult brain may be more subtle and now we know what to look for.”

The virus attacked immature cells in the rat’s brain. These immature cells store memories and contribute to one’s learning. Without them, the human brain would go through a similar process to that of someone with Alzheimer’s disease.

Not only could the Zika virus disastrously affect pregnant woman, but the average adult is also at risk. Professor Joseph Gleeson from Rockefellar University told The Independent, “Given this study, I think the public health enterprise should consider monitor for the zika infection in all groups, not just women.”