A recent study, titled "Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease: A Potential Role of Nose-Picking in Pathogen Entry via the Olfactory System?" published in the journal Biomolecules, proposes a possible link between nose picking and an increased susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease, a theory now being seriously entertained by specialists.
While the idea may seem unconventional at first, it holds merit in the context of bacteria and viruses from fingers entering the system through nasal picking.
Alzheimer's Disease Overview
Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder, worsens over time, characterized by brain changes leading to protein deposits, brain shrinkage, and cell death. It is the primary cause of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills, impacting daily functioning.
In the United States, approximately 6.5 million individuals aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's, with over 70% occurring in those aged 75 and above. Globally, it constitutes up to 70% of the 55 million people with dementia. Onset is influenced by age-related brain changes, genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Early signs include memory lapses, progressing to severe memory problems, and impaired daily tasks. Medications may alleviate symptoms, and support programs aid patients and caregivers. However, there's no cure, and in advanced stages, complications like dehydration or infection can lead to death.
Nose-Picking and the Potential Risks for Alzheimer's Disease
While various lifestyle factors might contribute to Alzheimer's disease, the new study advises against nose-picking, emphasizing the importance of proper nasal hygiene for maintaining clear breathing. They underscore that the temporary relief gained from nose picking should not replace regular cleaning methods such as saline nasal rinses or blowing the nose.
Drawing on lessons from COVID-19, the study suggests making routine hand hygiene, including frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers, mandatory for individuals engaging in habitual nose-picking, considering it an incurable behavior.
The research team from Western Sydney University emphasizes the direct connection between the olfactory system and brain regions affected by Alzheimer's, underscoring potential risks associated with nose-picking.
Although factors like amyloid peptide and tau deposition are implicated in Alzheimer's development, recent evidence suggests neuroinflammation plays a role. Ongoing research explores the potential contribution of external pathogens to Alzheimer's neuroinflammatory processes.
The review delves into how nose-picking, or rhinotillexomania, may indirectly contribute to brain inflammation. By pushing pathogens from the fingertips toward the brain and disrupting the nasal microbiome balance, this habit could be a factor in Alzheimer's pathogenesis. Notably, prior studies have linked nose-picking to increased infection risks, with a specific study in 2022 associating the habit with Alzheimer's in mice.
Several key indicators highlighted in the review further the understanding of a potential link. The presence of viruses in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and early manifestations in the olfactory bulb, responsible for detecting smells, provide significant clues. While conclusive evidence is lacking, the data suggest a plausible association between nose-picking and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
The review suggests that improving hand hygiene, learned from the COVID-19 epidemic, could be a straightforward preventive measure against olfactory pathogen entry and subsequent neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease. As our understanding of this complex disease evolves, these insights offer valuable avenues for potential interventions and more effective treatments.
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