A widespread virus significantly boosts the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease by over 100%.
Get a virus, feel like crap for a bit, then move on with life, right? Not so fast. Some viruses hang around, hidden, causing trouble down the road. Take the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), for instance - the one behind mono, the kissing disease. Yes, it makes you feel miserable for weeks, but guess what? It sticks around, living in your body for the rest of your life, making you more susceptible to major diseases like cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Now, EBV is a member of the herpesviruses family, and it's not the only one with sneaky ways. Scientists have recently found a connection between several herpesviruses and another major disease: Alzheimer's.
A study by researchers at Arizona State University and Icahn School of Medicine found that people with Alzheimer's have increased levels of human herpesvirus-6A and human herpesvirus-7 (the viruses that cause roseola) in their brains. Other studies have shown similar connections between herpesviruses and dementia.
For example, a 2018 study found that human herpesvirus-3 (the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles) increases the risk of dementia. Another study found that human herpesvirus-1 and human herpesvirus-2 (the ones that cause cold sores and genital herpes) double the risk of dementia, making people with these viruses 2.5 times more likely to develop dementia than those without them.
So, if herpesviruses increase the risk of dementia, can antivirals help prevent it? The latest study says yes. People who took antivirals to treat their herpes infections had a 10 times lower risk of Alzheimer's. So, if you have a herpes infection, deal with it. If you prefer natural remedies, try lysine, licorice root, peppermint oil, vanilla oil or extract, lemon balm, or manuka honey - they can help fight off a herpesvirus infection.
Just remember - while you're protecting your brain as you age, don't make the mistake millions of Americans do every day - taking a drug that depletes a necessary brain nutrient! *Click here to learn the truth about Cholesterol and the Brain!*
References:1. Medical News Today. (2021, October 23). Alzheimer's risk 10 times lower with herpes medication.2. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. (2020). Herpes Viruses and Senile Dementia: First Population Evidence for a Causal Link.3. Medical News Today. (2019, December 13). Alzheimer's: 'Strong evidence' of virus involvement.4. Medicial Microbiology. (2020). Herpesviruses.
- EBV, a virus behind mono, can linger in your body for life, making you more susceptible to severe diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
- Scientists have found a connection between herpesviruses and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's.
- Increased levels of human herpesvirus-6A and human herpesvirus-7, which cause roseola, have been found in brains of people with Alzheimer's.
- Studies have shown a link between herpesviruses and dementia, with certain viruses increasing the risk.
- Antivirals can potentially help prevent Alzheimer's for individuals with herpes infections.
- Natural remedies like lysine, licorice root, peppermint oil, vanilla oil or extract, lemon balm, or manuka honey can aid in fighting off herpesviruses.
- While addressing brain health and aging, be cautious about taking drugs that might deplete necessary brain nutrients.
- Carefully consider the impact of herpesviruses on health and wellness, including respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye-health, hearing, cardiovascular health, skin-conditions, and mental health.