Latest news with #varicellazoster
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
Powys County Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Treating cold sores with anti-virals ‘may slash 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 if 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 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.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Treating cold sores with anti-virals ‘may slash 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 if 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 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.'
CNA
13-05-2025
- Health
- CNA
Shingles and heart health: Important facts you need to know
Pain, itching or tingling – these early warning signs can appear days before any visible symptoms of shingles emerges. But did you know that this viral infection poses threats that go beyond the surface of the skin? For older adults, shingles can lead to serious health complications, including a heightened risk of heart attacks and strokes. 'Some people assume that shingles is a natural part of ageing and that nothing can be done about it,' said Dr Lee Tau Hong, an infectious disease physician at Infectious Diseases Care, Mount Elizabeth Hospital. 'This highlights the importance of raising awareness about its potential complications and ways to stay protected.' Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV) – the same virus responsible for chickenpox. 'Most people contract chickenpox (or varicella) during childhood, but the virus doesn't leave the body. Instead, it remains dormant in the nerves near the spine,' Dr Lee explained. 'Years later, factors like ageing or a weakened immune system can reactivate the virus, leading to shingles.' Although anyone can develop shingles, the risk increases significantly after the age of 50. 'Older age is a predisposing condition,' he said. 'However, shingles isn't limited to those with chronic illnesses or weakened immunity. THE CONNECTION TO HEART HEALTH Research suggests a strong link between shingles and cardiovascular events, like heart attacks and strokes. For instance, a study published in 2017 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that shingles was associated with a 59 per cent increase in heart attack risk and a 35 per cent increase* in stroke risk, with the likelihood being highest in the first year after onset. 'While the exact cause of this connection isn't fully understood, inflammation triggered by shingles may obstruct blood flow in the heart or brain, raising the chances of heart attacks or strokes,' said Dr Lee, adding that those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are particularly vulnerable.' 'BURNING PAIN' AND OTHER EFFECTS According to Dr Lee, when the virus that causes shingles reactivates, it affects sensory nerves, which are responsible for sensations like touch and pressure. This can lead to sudden, intense and disabling pain. 'Many describe experiencing tingling or itching in the affected areas,' he shared. Even after the rash heals, the effects of shingles can linger. Individuals experience post-herpetic neuralgia, a painful condition that can last for months, said Dr Lee. 'This discomfort impacts daily life and productivity, and can lead to disrupted sleep, as well as feelings of anxiety or depression,' he added. Other complications include bacterial skin infections, scarring and even vision problems if the virus affects nerves near the eyes. Preventing shingles starts with a healthy lifestyle. Dr Lee recommends a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress management to reduce your risk. He also urged individuals, particularly those aged 50 and above or with weakened immunity from chronic conditions, to consult their doctors about preventive measures. 'Recognising early symptoms like pain, itching or tingling on the skin – often appearing hours or days before the rash – can make a difference,' said Dr Lee. 'If you suspect shingles, see a doctor promptly to manage symptoms and reduce complications.' Shingles does not have to be an inevitable part of ageing. By staying informed, consulting healthcare professionals and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. This health message is intended for audiences in Singapore only and is meant for disease awareness and educational purposes. It does not endorse, make reference to and/or recommend any product. Speak to your healthcare professional to learn more about treatment options and prevention methods. Information in this article is valid as of May 13, 2025. All images used in this material are for illustration purposes only. Views expressed by the expert are solely his own and based on his clinical knowledge.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Shingles vaccine can lower the risk of heart disease, say experts
A recent study from South Korea reveals that the shingles vaccine offers protection beyond preventing the painful rash. Researchers discovered a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events like stroke and heart failure in vaccinated individuals. An estimated three to five people out of every 1,000 get shingles each year. Getting a vaccine can reduce the risk. A new study has now revealed that the vaccine can not only prevent you from getting shingles , but also reduce the risk of heart disease . A study by researchers from the Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Kore,a found that people who took a vaccine for shingles have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events , including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. The study of more than a million people is published in the European Heart Journal . The study led by Professor Dong Keon Yon found that the protective effect of the vaccine lasts for up to eight years. It is particularly pronounced for men and in those under the age of 60 and with unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and being inactive. 'Shingles causes a painful rash and can lead to serious complications, especially in older adults and those with weak immune systems. Previous research shows that, without vaccination, about 30% of people may develop shingles in their lifetime. In addition to the rash, shingles has been linked to a higher risk of heart problems, so we wanted to find out if getting vaccinated could lower this risk,' Prof Yon said in a statement. The study included 1,271,922 people aged 50 or older. Researchers compiled data from 2012 onward to determine who had received the shingles vaccine and matched it with cardiovascular health records and demographic factors, including age, sex, wealth, and lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity. The vaccine used was a live zoster vaccine , which contains a weakened form of the varicella zoster virus, that causes shingles. In many countries, it is now replaced by a non-live, recombinant vaccine. The study found that in people who got the vaccine, there was a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events, with a 26% lower risk of major cardiovascular events (a stroke, heart attack or death from heart disease), a 26% lower risk of heart failure and a 22% lower risk of coronary heart disease. They found that the protective effect was strongest in the two to three years after the shingles vaccine was given, but researchers found that the protection lasted for up to eight years. 'Our study suggests that the shingles vaccine may help lower the risk of heart disease, even in people without known risk factors. This means that vaccination could offer health benefits beyond preventing shingles. There are several reasons why the shingles vaccine may help reduce heart disease. A shingles infection can cause blood vessel damage, inflammation and clot formation that can lead to heart disease. By preventing shingles, vaccination may lower these risks. Our study found stronger benefits in younger people, probably due to a better immune response, and in men, possibly due to differences in vaccine effectiveness,' Professor Yon said. Prince Harry's Legal Defeat Sparks Expert Alarm Over Royal Collapse He also added that this is one of the largest and most comprehensive studies following a healthy general population over up to 12 years. This is also the first time, the researchers have looked at the association between shingles vaccination and 18 different types of cardiovascular disease. 'We were able to account for various other health conditions, lifestyle factors and socioeconomic status, making our findings more robust. However, as this study is based on an Asian cohort, the results may not apply to all populations. Since the live zoster vaccine is not suitable for everyone, more research on the recombinant vaccine is needed. While we conducted rigorous analysis, this study does not establish a direct causal relationship, so potential bias from other underlying factors should be considered,' he added. Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
