Scientists discover surprising link between common virus and dementia
Research suggests a link between herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), commonly associated with cold sores, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
A large-scale US study found that individuals with a history of HSV-1 infection had an 80 per cent higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.
The study also indicated that using antiviral medications to treat HSV-1 could potentially lower the risk of Alzheimer's by 17 per cent.
While the exact mechanism linking HSV-1 and Alzheimer's remains unclear, researchers suspect inflammation caused by the virus may play a role.
Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the most effective strategies for preventing Alzheimer's, including the potential role of antiviral therapies, the researchers said.
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