Picking your nose too? These unconscious habits... do they cause dementia?

I never realized that the actions I did unconsciously could lead to dementia.

I should be careful~ I shouldn't pick my nose, haha.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Swedish scientists have announced research findings indicating that people with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) are twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those without the virus. Do not confuse herpes simplex with shingles. Both are diseases caused by viruses, but herpes simplex is caused by infection and reactivation of the 'herpes simplex virus,' while shingles is caused by reactivation of the 'varicella-zoster virus.'

Herpes simplex virus is a major cause of ulcers around the lips. When herpes simplex virus remains dormant in the nervous system and reactivates, it can trigger an inflammatory response. This inflammation can damage brain tissue and, over the long term, impair the function of nerve cells, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. Additionally, during herpes simplex virus infection, the immune system may overreact and attack nerve cells, and this immune response can cause damage to brain tissue and impair the function of nerve cells.

2. Depression

Depression is also a factor that can increase the risk of dementia. Studies show that one in six Britons who have experienced depression are more likely to develop dementia later, and there is also research indicating that people with depression have a 51% higher risk of developing dementia. Depression can cause chronic inflammation, which increases the brain's inflammatory response and can damage nerve cells. Such inflammatory responses are known to elevate the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. Depression can also increase cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can negatively affect the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning, thereby increasing the risk of dementia.

3. Hearing loss

Hearing loss can reduce stimulation to the brain, increasing the risk of dementia. According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, there is an announcement that people with hearing loss are up to five times more likely to develop dementia than those without. The research team pointed out that individuals with mild hearing loss have twice the risk of dementia, those with moderate hearing loss have three times the risk, and those with severe hearing loss have five times the risk.

4. Nose picking

According to a study by the Griffith University research team in Australia on mice, a small correlation was found between nose picking and the accumulation of proteins related to Alzheimer's disease. When picking the nose, it damages the internal protective tissues, allowing dangerous bacteria to easily penetrate the brain. Bacterial invasion is also a risk factor. When the nasal tissues are damaged, bacteria can easily enter the brain. Some of these bacteria cause inflammation, which can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

5. Consumption of sugar-free beverages

The number of people choosing diet drinks instead of carbonated beverages, which are not good for health, is increasing. However, diet drinks are also not good for health. According to a 2017 university study in Australia, it was observed that people who drink beverages containing artificial sweeteners daily have an increased risk of developing dementia. The research team investigated beverage consumption three times over seven years and tracked the same individuals for ten years, finding a correlation between drinking beverages with artificial sweeteners and the onset of dementia.

6. Alcohol consumption

Having a glass of wine or beer in the evening may not seem very harmful. However, there is no such thing as healthy drinking in the world. The misconception that alcohol consumption is good for dementia is a misinterpretation of the fact that the person benefited from vigorous social activities and lifestyle habits. According to earlier health news, a study was announced indicating that people who drink one can of beer or one glass of wine a day may have a lower risk of dementia compared to non-drinkers. However, it was later found that this is related more to healthy lifestyle habits than to alcohol consumption itself. Additionally, people who are socially active are more likely to drink moderately, which has been shown to have a positive impact on brain health.

Jeong Hee-eun eun@kormedi.com

Health/Fitness

Picking your nose too? These unconscious habits... do they cause dementia?