The act of picking one’s nose could potentially have a connection to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, according to scientists. Researchers from Western Sydney University have published a report in the Biomolecules journal, based on numerous studies about neurological diseases, which suggests that frequent nose-picking may raise the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The report indicates that chronic nose-picking introduces germs into the nasal cavity, leading to inflammation in the brain, which is linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s. The disease currently affects over 6 million people, mostly those aged 65 and above.
Although the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still not fully understood, it has been observed that patients’ brains have an accumulation of a protein called tau, associated with the body’s immune response. Increased immune cell activity due to frequent invasions is believed to lead to bodily stress and inflammation, potentially resulting in various diseases.
The report authors support the theory that changes in the nasal environment caused by an overgrowth of germs may lead to chronic, mild brain infections. These infections could exist without external symptoms but might cause inflammation beneath the surface, resulting in harmful protein plaques associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
The report highlights the presence of common pathogens such as bacteria causing pneumonia, the herpes virus, the coronavirus, and the cat-derived parasite Toxoplasma gondii in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. As a preventive measure, the researchers are encouraging regular hand-washing, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene in reducing the risk of developing such diseases.
In conclusion, the report urges individuals to refrain from putting their fingers in their noses, and if they must, to thoroughly wash their hands before doing so. This reflects the lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the value of consistent hand hygiene and the use of hand sanitizers to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
