Friday 22/November/2024 – 06:00 PM
Scientists from Sweden published a new study stating that cold sores that affect the mouth could be a warning sign of dementia, as a new research paper indicated the relationship between the virus that causes cold sores, herpes simplex virus 1 “HSV-1”, and an increased risk of contracting this disease, which… Steals memory.
The relationship between cold sores and dementia
According to the British Daily Mail, by studying more than 1,000 elderly people over a period of 15 years, researchers found that people who were infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 were twice as likely to develop dementia as those who did not become infected.
Scientists are not yet sure why the two conditions are linked, but it may be because it hides in the nervous system for life, and at any time, attacks of the disease can occur, which may cause inflammation within the nervous system, putting pressure on the delicate tissues of the nervous system and the brain and leading to Destroy it.
The theory is that, over time, this may lead to some of the changes associated with dementia, such as memory loss, breakdown of brain tissue, and confusion.
Scientists also explained that this study is the latest in a series of research looking at the relationship between common viruses and the risk of developing dementia later in life. Scientists have also linked the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and herpes zoster, to changes in brain health.
What is herpes simplex virus?
Herpes simplex virus type 1 affects between 50 and 80% of American adults. This virus is similar to, but not the same as, the virus that causes sexually transmitted herpes. In rare cases, it can be spread through sharing drinks. It can also It is transmitted from a mother to her child in the womb, and can cause serious side effects in children.
Once someone has the disease, many symptoms are mild and manageable, and initial signs include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and sores inside the mouth and gums.
