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Scientists: Don't stick your finger in your nose, you risk Alzheimer's
2024-09-11 16:38:55 / JETË
ALFA PRESS
A possible link between picking your nose and Alzheimer's disease has emerged, prompting scientists to do further research. Although often dismissed as just a bad habit, blowing your nose can pose a risk to brain health, potentially increasing the likelihood of dementia.
In a recent publication in the American Journal of Medical Sciences, researchers noted that although related studies are limited, existing evidence suggests that blowing the nose may be an important risk factor for Alzheimer's.
The prevailing theory is that pathogens on the fingers are transferred to the nasal cavity, from where they can travel to the brain, causing inflammation. Chronic inflammation is known to damage brain cells, which can eventually lead to the cognitive decline characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, frequent nasal cleaning can damage the nasal mucosa, making it easier for harmful microorganisms to enter the bloodstream, cause infections and cause further inflammation.
The scientists, from the Institute of Medical Sciences Services in Pakistan and Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar, referenced ten studies supporting the possible association, including one supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) last year. They pointed to pathogens such as the herpes virus, some coronaviruses, the bacteria responsible for pneumonia, and the fungus candida albicans as possible culprits. These microorganisms can travel along the olfactory nerve, which connects the nose to the brain, potentially causing infections in the olfactory cavity, a region associated with the sense of smell and located at the base of the brain.
The research urged the scientific community to conduct larger case-control studies to explore the relationship between nasal cleaning and Alzheimer's disease more comprehensively. They also emphasized the importance of simple preventive measures, such as regular hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers, which have been widely promoted since the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers suggested that these practices may be a direct way to mitigate the risks associated with nose picking.
This call to action is consistent with previous research from an Australian team that also noted the link between nasal cleaning and Alzheimer's, advocating basic hygiene interventions as a preventative strategy.
Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, affects about 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older. Its exact causes are still being explored, with amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, along with possible damage to blood vessels leading to reduced blood flow and small, undetected strokes that are among the prime suspects.
Given that nearly every American blows their nose every day, an average of four times a day, according to surveys, raising awareness of these potential dangers and promoting better hygiene practices can be valuable steps in the ongoing effort to understand and prevent Alzheimer's disease./Daily Mail
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