A recent study from Uppsala University in Sweden has revealed a significant link between herpes diagnoses and an increased risk of developing dementia. According to the research, individuals who have been diagnosed with herpes are twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those who have not received such a diagnosis. This association is particularly strong with the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is responsible for cold sores or oral herpes. The study, which was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, monitored 1,000 subjects aged 70 for 15 years, building on prior research that suggested a connection between the herpes virus and dementia.Â
Dementia encompasses a range of cognitive decline disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, and is characterized by a deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. While dementia is associated with aging, it is not considered a normal part of the aging process.Â
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) exists in two types: HSV-1, which typically causes oral herpes, and HSV-2, which is generally responsible for genital herpes. HSV-1 is incredibly common, with 67% of people under age 50 globally infected with the virus. In contrast, HSV-2 affects about 13% of the global population under age 50. Despite the prevalence of these infections, many individuals with HSV-2 may not realize they have the virus, as clinical diagnoses are uncommon.Â
The researchers, including lead author Erika Vestin, a Ph.D. student at Uppsala University, caution that while the study confirms a link between herpes and dementia, it does not establish a causal relationship. The mechanisms through which herpes might contribute to the development of dementia remain unclear. Vestin emphasizes the need for further research across different social and ethnic groups and the potential effects of herpes medication on dementia risk.Â
Globally, over 55 million people live with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. The World Health Organization estimates that the number of people with dementia will reach 78 million by 2030. Given the commonality of HSV infections and the significant impact of dementia on individuals and healthcare systems, understanding the potential connections between these conditions is crucial.Â
Treatment for herpes aims to manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks, as there is currently no cure for the virus. The study suggests that the oral form of herpes (HSV-1) is most likely to be linked to dementia risk. However, both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can infect the oral and genital regions, complicating the association.Â
Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, points out that the study does not prove causality and highlights the need for further research to control for confounders traditionally associated with dementia, such as diabetes and hypertension.Â
The findings indicate a potential benefit of diagnosing and treating herpes to mitigate the risk of developing dementia. However, without pharmaceutical trials, the relationship between herpesvirus drug use and decreased dementia risk remains speculative. Lifestyle factors and cardiovascular health continue to be important in managing the risk of dementia.Â
Despite the high prevalence of herpes and the concerning association with dementia, traditional risk factors for conditions that can lead to dementia, such as strokes, diabetes, and hypertension, remain critical to address. Dr. Gandhi advises not to be overly concerned by the study’s findings, given the commonality of herpes infection and the comparatively lower rate of dementia.Â
Journal Reference – (N.d.). Retrieved from https://content.iospress.com/download/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad230718?id=journal-of-alzheimers-disease%2Fjad230718Â
