A study demonstrates changes in the brains of people infected with the herpes virus that could help accelerate brain aging. For years, researchers have used data analysis to try to demonstrate the direct link between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
Currently, the main suspicion falls on the various herpes viruses, which not only cause unpleasant and painful blisters, but also, depending on the type: chickenpox, shingles and infectious mononucleosis. Herpes viruses may also be associated with the development of multiple sclerosis and several types of cancer.
When it comes to herpes, many people immediately think of the small blisters that appear in the mouth, caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Type 2 (HSV-2) causes blisters in the genital area. Several studies have already shown that individuals with HSV-1 have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Through blood tests and brain MRIs, researchers at Columbia University in New York were able to demonstrate that the cerebral cortex in people infected with HPV-2 is thinner than in people who do not carry the virus. For the study published in the specialized journal Journal of Neurological Sciences, the data of 455 people with an average age of 70 years and with confirmed HPV-2 infection were evaluated.
“Our findings suggest that herpes simplex virus type 2 seropositivity may contribute to the acceleration of brain aging, which likely leads to an increased susceptibility to cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly population,” the study indicates.
A thinner cerebral cortex is often a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. This outer layer of the brain is primarily responsible for cognitive abilities, that is, the processing of sensory perceptions and memory. In Alzheimer’s disease, many abnormal proteins called amyloid beta and tau build up in the cerebral cortex.
Due to this accumulation, the internal chemistry of the cell changes. Amyloid clumps together to form “plaques,” and tau protein clumps into bundles of fibers, called “tangles.” This leads to necroptosis, that is, the death of brain cells.
Does Herpes type 2 accelerate brain aging?
Because this is a correlational study, the new research, however, cannot yet prove whether HSV-2 actually triggers Alzheimer’s. It just points to a possible link between a herpes infection and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Almost everyone has been infected with the herpes simplex virus at some point in their life. This is because herpes viruses have adapted incredibly well to humans.
“Viruses know the immune system so well that in the course of evolution they have developed sophisticated countermeasures to intelligently deceive it,” says biologist Melanie Brinkmann, group coordinator at the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI) and professor of Technical University of Braunschweig.
What are the types of herpes viruses?
Superadaptive herpes viruses include more than 200 known types, nine of which are human-specific. These include herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster, which causes chickenpox and herpes zoster, and the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis and which may also be associated with the development of multiple sclerosis and various types of cancer.
Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life. The infection is often asymptomatic and the viruses remain in the body in a so-called state of latency. It is only when the body is weakened by a strong infection or stress that symptoms such as the famous blisters appear.
Although the actual evidence for the link between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases remains unclear, these findings aid in the development of effective therapies and possible vaccines.
How to protect yourself from herpes viruses?
To date, there is no approved vaccine against the herpes simplex virus. BioNTech is developing a herpes simplex-2 immunizer. The research is in the clinical trial phase.
Those who are not yet carriers of the herpes virus can protect themselves from infection by simply distancing themselves. These viruses are transmitted via droplets and contact. In the genital region, condoms can reduce the risk of infection.
In those who carry the virus, a strong immune system helps keep it in a dormant state of latency. In order not to weaken the immune system, extreme physical exertion, stress and unnecessary infections should be avoided, for example through vaccination.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
