A study published 30 years ago creates a new conversation about a possible relationship between colds pain and Alzheimer’s disease. Published Lancett 1997 Investigators compared DNA, which were extracted from the elderly with and without Alzheimer’s disease, and in some of them found that the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) -Infection is often twisted into childhood in nerves. Finally, researchers predicted that the HSV-1 and a specific gene, known as the APOE-E4 gene, had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Meet the experts: David Hunter, MD, Associate Professor and Neurologist working in Uthealt Houston, Linda Yancey, MD, Memorial Hermann Health System; and Mark Santos, Ph.D., a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada Tour.
Co -author of study Ruth itzhaki, Ph.D. The conversation And he noted that over the years, additional work was given to supporting his own.
But what does all this mean exactly? If cold pain appears, should you care about dementia? We contacted the experts who explained everything.
What is HSV-1?
“HSV-1 is a common virus with which almost everyone is exposed to early life,” says David Hunter, MD, Uthealt Houston Associate Professor and Neurologist. “This is best known for causing colds and is closely linked to chicken pox and mononucleosis.”
These viruses have in common that they are neurotropic, which means that they lie in the nervous system long after the initial disease, explains Linda Yancey, MD, infectious diseases in the doctor’s memorial Hermann health system, and can be activated by stress or reduction immunity immunity. For example, chicken pox can occur later as a tape of herpes, adding Doctor Hunter.
It is believed that the virus’s ability to penetrate the nerves reaches it through the blood-brain barrier-membrane, which examines the organ from infection through the bloodstream. Dr. According to Hunter, HSV-1 is the most common cause of inflammation of the virus in the US thanks to this entrance point.
“HSV is not vaccine and almost everyone will get it until adulthood,” adds dr. Hunter. Cold ulcers are a mild case and symptoms can be treated with antiviral drugs.
How can HSV-1 and Alzheimer’s disease be combined
Dormanto HSV-1 can activate the disease and reach the brain, explains Mark Santos, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Nevados Touro University. This can cause inflammation of the brain over time known as herpes encephalitis,
And people with genetic risk factors such as the APOE-4 gene contribute to Alzheimer’s development, he adds. “We do not know why Apoe-4 is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease,” adds dr. Hunter. “The connection to HSV may be that APOE-4 affects the blood-strain barrier and facilitates HSV to enter.” And the inflammation caused by this record can enhance the risk of Alzheimer. “It is now universally recognized that inflammation in the brain is the main step in the development of Alzheimer’s disease,” says dr. Hunter.
What experts think
Over three decades after the initial study, doctors and researchers have learned much more about Alzheimer’s disease and its relationship with inflammation of the virus. For example, several studies have found that any disease (such as Covidid-19 or flu) reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, says Dr. Hunter. “Several other studies have shown that reducing inflammation in the brain helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease,” he adds.
Santos agrees. “Since 1996, additional studies have identified HSV-1 DNA individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Laboratory studies have also shown that HSV-1 infection can cause amyloid-beth and you accumulate-white, strongly associated with Alzheimer’s pathology,” he explains.
However, a few refusal should be noted. First, the posthumous risk is associated with people who shrink HSV-1 in early life, giving time to gradually cause inflammation. The risk of adults may be lower, says Santos. “To say that, if someone has other risk factors (such as weakened immune system or APoe-E4), adults associated with HSV-1 could still have long-term consequences,” he adds.
However, neurotropic viruses are particularly common, Yancey. “This makes it difficult to annoy whether they cause neurological problems or whether they are simply common to the general population, including people with neurological problems,” she adds. In other words, because most people face HSV-1 does not necessarily mean that most people will receive Alzheimer’s disease.
“Most cold sores are not the cause of concern,” Santos adds. “They are common and usually well-controlled immune system. However, people with frequent outbreaks, weakened immunity or Apoe-E4 may be worth discussing with health care provider. Concerns are not one cold, but long-term viral activity in the brain.”
More research is needed, including long -term studies to do strong associations, Santos and Dr. Yancey’s conclusions. “Current data is based on population level studies. There is no possibility to predict a separate patient level to determine whether it has a significant effect,” says Dr. Yancey.
Future research, I hope at least will help experts understand how antiviral treatment affects the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and will also determine better ways to determine when HSV-1 is active in the brain. “We hope that the understanding of how infections contribute to Alzheimer will open up new ways to prevent or treat, especially before symptoms begin,” says Santos.
A lifestyle choice that can help reduce the risk of dementia
According to our experts, vaccinations, exercise, engage in mental stimulation and maintain a hearted diet, are known ways to reduce the risk of dementia. Avoiding smoking or using any use of nicotine can also “drastically” reduce the risk, says Dr. Yancey. All of these habits and choices work together to maintain immune and brain health.
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