Is there a link between Alzheimer's and cold sore and shingles infections?
The common cold sore virus, which is often caught in childhood, usually stays in the body for life – quietly dormant in the nerves. Now and then, things like stress, illness or injury can trigger it, bringing on a cold sore in some people. This same virus – called herpes simplex virus type 1 – may also play an important role in something far more serious: Alzheimer's disease.
Over 30 years ago, my colleagues and I made a surprising discovery. We found that this cold sore virus can be present in the brains of older people. It was the first clear sign that a virus could be quietly living in the brain, which was long thought to be completely germ-free – protected by the so-called 'blood-brain barrier'.
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Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
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Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
Racing sailors to double as ocean scientists in European waters
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Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
Forum: Move closer to a more integrated and patient-centric healthcare system
My brother, who is visually handicapped, receives specialist care from multiple healthcare institutions – namely, Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), Singapore General Hospital (SGH), and the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC). Before each consultation, he is often required to undergo routine blood tests about a week in advance. However, because the consultations are at different hospitals, he must make separate trips to each facility for what are essentially the same tests. This process is not only inefficient but also physically taxing – not just for my brother, but for other patients who may be elderly or have mobility issues. It also places a significant burden on caregivers, many of whom are already juggling multiple responsibilities. I urge the Ministry of Health to review this process and consider allowing such routine pre-consultation tests to be done at the public hospital nearest to the patient, regardless of where the consultation will take place. The results can be securely shared across institutions. Implementing this change would reduce unnecessary travel, ease caregiver stress, and move us closer to a more integrated and patient-centric healthcare system. Gabriel Chia More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
