New research suggests a surprising link between nose picking and Alzheimer’s disease, prompting health experts to advise against the habit.
At a Glance
- Nose picking may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by allowing harmful bacteria to enter the brain
- The olfactory nerve provides a direct pathway from the nose to the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier
- Damaging nasal tissue through nose picking can facilitate bacterial entry and inflammation in the brain
- Experts advise against nose picking and plucking nasal hair as a precautionary measure
The Unexpected Connection
In a startling revelation, researchers have uncovered a potential link between the common habit of nose picking and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This finding challenges our understanding of how everyday behaviors can impact long-term brain health and highlights the importance of personal hygiene in disease prevention.
The study, conducted by researchers at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia, and published in Nature Scientific Reports, suggests that damaging the nasal cavity through nose picking can allow harmful bacteria to enter the brain via the olfactory nerve. This direct pathway bypasses the blood-brain barrier, potentially leading to inflammation and the development of Alzheimer’s-related symptoms.
The Science Behind the Link
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Recent research has shed light on the role of pathogens in the development of this devastating condition. The Australian study found that Chlamydia pneumoniae, a bacterium associated with respiratory tract infections, can enter the brain through the olfactory nerve from the nose.
Prof. James St John, head of the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Brisbane, was a supervising author of the study. He stated that other studies have shown that Chlamydia pneumoniae is present in Alzheimer’s plaques in humans, but it is not known how the bacteria get there, and whether they cause AD pathologies or are just associated with it.
Once in the brain, these bacteria can stimulate the deposition of amyloid beta protein, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. This protein forms plaques that are associated with symptoms such as memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior.
Expanding the Scope of Research
While the initial study focused on C. pneumoniae, researchers believe that other pathogens may also contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Prof. St John noted that various microorganisms, including the herpes simplex virus, could play a role in triggering the condition.
Prof. St John believes it is not only C. pneumoniae that may trigger Alzheimer’s. He mentioned that there are potentially many microorganisms that may contribute to the onset of AD, including the herpes simplex virus.
To further investigate this connection, researchers have received approval for a study in Queensland, Australia, to examine bacteria in the noses of people with early-stage late-onset Alzheimer’s. Additionally, the Alzheimer’s Association is funding research to better understand the link between Chlamydia pneumoniae and Alzheimer’s-related brain changes.
Practical Implications and Advice
In light of these findings, health experts are advising against nose picking and other habits that may damage nasal tissues. Prof. St John emphasizes the importance of avoiding nose picking and plucking nasal hair to prevent bacterial entry into the brain. Dr. MacSweeney, another expert in the field, suggests resisting the urge to pick your nose as a precautionary measure based on the early results of this research.
Dr. MacSweeney believes it might be a good idea to resist the urge to pick your nose, suggesting that it seems sensible to err on the side of caution in light of these early results on mice.
While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between nose picking and Alzheimer’s risk, these findings serve as a reminder of the importance of good hygiene practices in maintaining overall health. By being mindful of our habits and taking simple precautions, we may be able to reduce our risk of developing this devastating disease in the future.
