A 2023 study examining approximately 500,000 medical records has found that severe viral infections, including encephalitis and pneumonia, may increase the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The study identified 22 connections between viral infections and neurodegenerative disorders among nearly 450,000 individuals.
Individuals diagnosed with viral encephalitis exhibited a 31-fold increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Specifically, among those with viral encephalitis, about 6% later developed Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, those hospitalized with pneumonia resulting from influenza appeared to be more prone to Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The researchers noted that infections—such as meningitis, intestinal infections, and those caused by the varicella-zoster virus—have also been linked to several neurodegenerative conditions. The effects of these viral infections on brain health were observed to persist for up to 15 years.
Approximately 80% of the viruses connected with neurodegenerative diseases are classified as ‘neurotrophic’, meaning they can cross the blood-brain barrier. The researchers highlighted that existing vaccines for certain viruses, including influenza and shingles, could potentially mitigate risks associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
This study was published in the journal Neuron. While it cannot establish a definitive causal relationship, it adds to existing research suggesting a link between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Why it matters: Understanding the connection between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases could influence public health policies and vaccination strategies to reduce the incidence of these conditions.
- The latest: The researchers recommend further studies to explore the potential of vaccines in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/a-study-of-500000-medical-records-linked-viruses-with-alzheimers-again-and-again
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/a-study-of-500000-medical-records-linked-viruses-with-alzheimers-again-and-again