Unearthing a Surprising Link: This Icky Habit Is Tied to Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Scientists Say

A surprising revelation has emerged from a review of neurological studies, suggesting that individuals who frequently engage in the seemingly harmless habit of nose-picking may be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The report, authored by researchers at Western Sydney University and published in the journal Biomolecules late last year, explores the potential connection between chronic nose-picking, known medically as rhinotillexomania, and the onset of Alzheimer’s.

The researchers propose a novel theory linking neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease to the entry of viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens through the nose and olfactory system. Chronic nose-picking introduces germs into the delicate nasal cavity, triggering inflammation in the brain—a phenomenon associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition affecting over 6 million people, predominantly those aged 65 and older, has long puzzled scientists regarding its exact cause. While the buildup of the protein tau in the brains of patients is a known characteristic, the precise triggers remain elusive.

The report suggests that chronic nose-picking may contribute to Alzheimer’s by causing shifts in the nasal environment, leading to an overgrowth of germs and chronic, mild brain infections. These infections may be asymptomatic on the surface but contribute to inflammation below, leaving harmful protein plaques associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Researchers emphasize the importance of hand hygiene, drawing parallels with the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. They advocate for regular hand-washing as a preventive measure, given that various common pathogens found in Alzheimer’s patients include bacteria causing pneumonia, the herpes virus, the coronavirus, and the cat-derived parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Photo credit: Flickr

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