Latest news with #HSV-1
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Lip sign could mean you're '80% more likely to get dementia'
A study has found that a certain virus that can manifest on the lips could indicate a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. A symptom appearing on the lips could potentially signal an increased risk of developing dementia, according to recent research. This viral symptom has been linked with an 80 per cent increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, suggests that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a common virus responsible for herpes and cold sores, may contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's. While previous studies have hinted at a link between HSV-1 and Alzheimer's, this research aimed to delve deeper into this association. As part of the study, researchers analysed the medical records of over 300,000 individuals aged 50 and above. As reported by SurreyLive, participants were split into two equal groups, distinguished by those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and those without such a diagnosis. Alzheimer's Research UK detailed how the study found that 1,507 (0.44 per cent) of participants diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease had a history of HSV-1 infection, compared with 823 (0.22 per cent) without an Alzheimer's diagnosis. The conclusion drawn was that individuals with an HSV-1 infection had an 80 per cent increased risk of Alzheimer's. This remained true even when other factors, such as carrying two copies of the APOE4 gene, a known risk factor for Alzheimer's, were taken into account. Furthermore, individuals who had been prescribed medication to treat the virus were found to be 17 per cent less likely to develop Alzheimer's compared to those not on any medication. Limits of the study Nevertheless, it's essential to consider some constraints of this study. Dr Sheona Scales, director of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK, highlighted: "Despite the large sample size, this research is based on information gathered from using health records and administrative claims data, which often are based on people self-reporting their conditions. "Most people infected with HSV-1 don't have any symptoms so some infections might not have been recorded. Infections predating the information recorded are also not available. Although cases were matched with controls, diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, especially in the early stages, remains a challenge." While HSV-1 is common, contracting the virus does not guarantee that an individual will develop Alzheimer's disease. The precise relationship between HSV-1 and a heightened risk of Alzheimer's is still under investigation, with current hypotheses suggesting that infections may trigger brain inflammation, potentially leading to damage. Dr Scales further stated: "We know there are 14 lifestyle and environmental risk factors for dementia, and there's not enough evidence to include infections in this list. "This study doesn't tell us if infections are causing the risk, it only shows an association. Further research is needed to understand what the underlying biology around this is." Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia worldwide, accounting for an estimated 80 per cent of all dementia cases.
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Natural Health: What can I do about getting a cold sore every summer?
I get a cold sore nearly every year when I go on a sun holiday. The intense heat seems to trigger it. I'm also a nervous traveller, which probably doesn't help. Is there anything I can do to head it off at the pass? Sunlight and stress are the top two triggers for cold sores. Being a nervous traveller will undoubtedly raise your stress levels, and when combined with sunshine, it's more likely the virus will reactivate. Other common triggers for the reactivation of cold sores include fatigue, fever, and menstruation. The herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) is responsible for cold sores and is thought to be carried by 80-90% of the population. Fortunately, only 20% will go on to develop sores. The amino acid lysine generally works well in preventing the herpes virus from flaring up. However, it is worth noting that while it may be effective for some individuals, it may not be effective for others. It's even more important to avoid another amino acid, arginine, which is required by the herpes virus for replication. Arginine-rich foods include chocolate, nuts, oats, carob, coconut and soybeans. Topically, propolis — made by bees from the collection of resins, gums, and sticky plant buds — will heal lesions significantly faster than antiviral medication Acyclovir, and also reduce the likelihood of additional infection. Check out Cork business Hanna's Bees for an extensive range of bee products, including propolis tincture at €14.50 for 20ml (and ideal size for travel). When there is potential for a viral outbreak or flare-up, it is crucial to supplement with vitamin C. Camu-camu is a rainforest fruit with an impressive 8-10% vitamin C content by weight, approximately 30 times that found in oranges, and powerful antiviral properties. Camu camu is also effective in treating other forms of herpes, such as shingles, genital herpes, and the Epstein-Barr virus. Camu-camu has been shown to alleviate cold sore outbreaks more quickly than a leading pharmaceutical drug and is an excellent option for those who don't respond to lysine supplementation. Expect to pay around €20-25 for a bottle of 60 capsules (500mg). You will need to take one capsule daily as a preventative measure or one capsule three times daily with food for three days to treat an existing outbreak. Camu camu is typically available from health stores and pharmacies. I'm in my 70s and have been diagnosed with a twisted colon. Is there anything I can do to ease the symptoms? I'm also coeliac and have IBS. You are probably already quite vigilant with all you eat and drink due to the restrictions of living with coeliac disease and IBS. A twisted colon often requires surgical intervention, so it is worth getting a follow-up appointment or a second opinion regarding your treatment options. Pure aloe vera juice has been successfully used in medical trials to treat IBS, as it helps soothe and heal the mucous membranes in the gut. It may help alleviate your symptoms. Please consult your doctor before taking it or any other natural remedy. If you are currently using psyllium husks or other fibre support to treat your IBS, then it is a good idea to take a break, as excessive fibre can be problematic with a twisted bowel. Juicing fresh organic fruits and vegetables may be worth considering, as this is an excellent way to get nutrients in when your digestive system is compromised. The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cold sores may play role in Alzheimer's development, new research reveals
Cold sores may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study published in BMJ Open. Researchers examined 344,628 "case-control pairs." The pairs were matched in age, sex, geographical region and number of healthcare visits — but one had Alzheimer's disease and one did not. Of the groups studied, 1,507 people with Alzheimer's also had herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is the most common cause of cold sores. Only 823 people in the control group had HSV-1. First Blood Test For Alzheimer's Diagnosis Cleared By Fda Among these 2,330 people, 40% used anti-herpetic medication following their diagnosis. Those who were treated for the virus were 17% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who didn't use the treatments, the study found. Read On The Fox News App The risk of developing this form of dementia is known to rise with age. However, the chance of an HSV-1 diagnosis was 80% higher in those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, according to the research. Less commonly, cold sores can be caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Alzheimer's Disease Could Be Prevented By Antiviral Drug Already On Market The analysis places "an even greater emphasis on viewing the prevention of herpes viruses as a public health priority," the researchers said in a press release. Overall, women made up 65% of the Alzheimer's cases. Their average age was 73, and they tended to have more co-existing conditions, which were all risk factors. The study also observed the potential role of other herpes viruses, some of which were associated with an elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease. The specific connection between viruses like HSV-1 and heightened dementia risk isn't clear, the researchers noted. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "However, studies have shown that inflammatory alterations in the brain caused by HSV infection are pivotal in [Alzheimer's disease] development," they said in the release. Treatment with anti-viral therapy seems to lower the risk of Alzheimer's, "suggesting that HSV-1 treatment may be protective," the study says. "There's no cure for cold sores, but treatment can help manage outbreaks," according to Mayo Clinic. "Prescription antiviral medicine or creams can help sores heal more quickly. And they may make future outbreaks happen less often and be shorter and less serious." There were some limitations in the study, the researchers acknowledged. "Due to limited data history, HSV-1 infections prior to the patient's database entry were not included in the analysis, and it is possible that some overlap exists between HSV-1 and HSV-2 diagnoses," the researchers noted. "Additionally, many individuals with HSV-1 infection are asymptomatic, and others may not seek medical care during recurrences and are therefore not clinically diagnosed and recorded in the database." While an estimated two-thirds of people under 50 are infected with HSV-1, data on symptomatic infections is limited, "as manifestations can be mild or unnoticed," the researchers added. For more Health articles, visit Under-diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease could also skew the results. Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers and other doctors for article source: Cold sores may play role in Alzheimer's development, new research reveals
Evening Standard
22-05-2025
- Health
- Evening Standard
Alzheimer's and cold sores: Are they linked?
Professor Tara Spires-Jones, from the University of Edinburgh, said: 'This is a well-conducted study adding to strong data in the field linking HSV-1 and other viral infections to increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but it is important to note that HSV-1 infection, which is extremely common in the population, is by no means a guarantee that someone will develop Alzheimer's.
The Journal
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Journal
Treating cold sores with anti-virals could help slash the risk of developing Alzheimer's
TREATING COLD SORES with anti-viral medicines could help slash the risk of Alzheimer's disease, research suggests. Previous studies have found that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can lie dormant in human cells for a lifetime before 're-awakening', leading to dementia symptoms. Experts have discovered that HSV-1 causes changes that resemble those in the brains of dementia patients, such as amyloid plaque-like formations and inflammation. Now, a large US study suggests that treating HSV-1 may be a route to lessening the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers, including from pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences and the University of Washington in Seattle, used data on 344,628 people with Alzheimer's matched with the same number of people without the disease. All were aged over 50 and the diagnosis of Alzheimer's was made between 2006 and 2021. A history of HSV-1 diagnosis was noted for 1,507 (0.44%) patients with Alzheimer's, compared with 823 (0.24%) of those without. Nearly two thirds (65%) of those with Alzheimer's disease were women, with an average age of 73. The study found that people who had suffered the herpes virus had an 80% increased risk of Alzheimer's, even when other factors were taken into account. But those with HSV-1 who used anti-virals to treat the virus were 17% less likely to develop Alzheimer's compared with those who did not use the medicines. Among the 2,330 people with a history of HSV-1 infection, 931 (40%) used anti-virals after their diagnosis. The authors, writing in the journal BMJ Open , concluded: 'Findings from this large… study implicate HSV-1 in the development of Alzheimer's disease and highlight anti-herpetic therapies as potentially protective for Alzheimer's and related dementia.' In the UK, the drug aciclovir is one of those available for treating cold sores, chickenpox, shingles and other herpes virus infections. The researchers also looked at the potential role of other herpes viruses, including HSV-2, varicella zoster virus (which causes chickenpox), and cytomegalovirus. Both HSV-2 and varicella zoster virus infections were also associated with a heightened risk of Alzheimer's disease. Exactly how HSV-1 and other viruses might heighten the risk of dementia is not clear, point out the researchers. 'However, studies have shown that inflammatory alterations in the brain caused by HSV infection are pivotal in (Alzheimer's disease) development,' they added. HSV-1 DNA is also found in the plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, and people carrying the most common genetic risk factor for the disease are more susceptible to HSV infections, they said. Professor Tara Spires-Jones, from the University of Edinburgh, said: 'This is a well-conducted study adding to strong data in the field linking HSV-1 and other viral infections to increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but it is important to note that HSV-1 infection, which is extremely common in the population, is by no means a guarantee that someone will develop Alzheimer's. 'Why viral infections may increase risk of dementia is not fully understood, but the most likely explanation is that infections increase inflammation in the body and contribute to age-related brain inflammation. 'More research is needed to understand the best way to protect our brains from Alzheimer's disease as we age, including a better understanding of links between viral infection and Alzheimer's risk.' Dr David Vickers, from the University of Calgary in Canada, said the 'research exaggerates the role of HSV-1, failing to appreciate its absence in 99.56% of Alzheimer's disease cases'. He added: 'The observed 17% hazard reduction with anti-herpetic drugs translates to a mere nine-month delay in Alzheimer's disease onset.' Dr Richard Oakley, director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Results from this observational study suggested that people with recorded cold sore infections were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, and interestingly those prescribed antiviral drugs had a slightly lower risk. 'But this doesn't prove that cold sores cause Alzheimer's disease, or that anti-virals prevent it. 'The data came from insurance records, often based on self-reported symptoms which may miss or misclassify infections, and didn't track how often people had cold sores or how consistently they took medication. 'Much more research is needed to explore exactly how viruses might be involved and before we can draw firm conclusions.' Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, welcomed the study but said more research was needed. 'We know there are 14 established risk factors for dementia, and there's not enough evidence to include infections in this list. 'This study doesn't tell us if infections are causing the risk, it only shows an association. Further research is needed to understand what the underlying biology around this is.' Advertisement
