What’s the link between Herpes and Alzheimer’s?

It might be difficult to imagine two conditions more different than Herpes and Alzheimer’s. How could they have anything in common?

Well, it turns out that a mounting body of evidence shows a strong connection between these two diseases, and scientists are discovering more about it every day.

Keep reading to learn more.

Think you might have Herpes? Find out with Better2Know’s Home Test Kit.

What is Herpes?

You probably know what Herpes is, but to understand its connection to Alzheimer’s, you need to know how this virus operates.

Herpes isn’t a single infection, but refers to a whole host of infections caused by viruses that fall within a specific family.

Most people are familiar with the strains of Herpes that are sexually transmitted: HSV 1 and HSV 2. HSV 1 is most commonly associated with an Oral Herpes infection that causes cold sores around the mouth. HSV 2, on the other hand, tends to cause Genital Herpes, which causes painful sores on and around the genitals. However, both types can infect both areas through oral-genital contact.

Herpes viruses infect epithelial cells and nerve endings, travelling to the sensory ganglia where they remain dormant. During an outbreak, the virus travels back to the skin or mucous membranes, causing new sores. This cycle of dormancy and reactivation is a hallmark of Herpes infections, making it a lifelong condition that can be managed but not cured.

But that’s just the strains that can be sexually transmitted. The Herpesviridae family includes a variety of viruses that can infect humans and animals.

1. Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV): Also known as human herpesvirus 3 (HHV-3), this virus causes chickenpox in children and shingles in adults.
2. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): Known as human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), EBV is associated with infectious mononucleosis (mono) and has been linked to certain types of cancer.
3. Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV): Also referred to as human herpesvirus 5 (HHV-5), HCMV can cause serious infections in newborns and immunocompromised individuals.
4. Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6): This virus is divided into two variants, HHV-6A and HHV-6B, and is known for causing roseola in infants.
5. Human Herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7): Similar to HHV-6, HHV-7 is also associated with roseola and other febrile illnesses in children.
6. Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV): Also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), this virus is linked to Kaposi’s sarcoma, a type of cancer that often affects individuals with HIV/AIDS.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It’s the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases.

Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease often include difficulty remembering recent events or conversations. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience more severe memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with language and problem-solving.

In advanced stages, patients may lose the ability to perform everyday tasks, recognise loved ones, and respond to their environment. The progression of Alzheimer’s can vary, but it typically spans several years, with individuals living four to eight years after diagnosis, though some may live longer.

Does getting Herpes cause Alzheimer’s?

It might.

Researchers have largely established that two molecules tend to be found in high levels in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s: amyloid-beta, which creates plaques in the brain, and tau, which creates tangles. These molecules can contribute to the death of brain neurons involved in thinking.

Neuroinflammation (brain inflammation) is also strongly associated with Alzheimer’s. The immune system attacks foreign pathogens and works to heal injury, but this process can also damage the brain’s healthy cells, which can itself cause more neuroinflammation. This can lead to neurons degenerating.

Pathogens like bacteria and viruses can also cause neuroinflammation. Microbes infect the brain and remain there without being completely cleared, causing chronic, low-grade neuroinflammation. Some researchers also suspect that some infections may play a role in triggering amyloid-beta deposits and tau tangles.

It’s unlikely that just one type of pathogen will encourage Alzheimer’s. Evidence suggests that a number of different microbes can all trigger Alzheimer’s in different people.

One study out of the University of Pittsburgh found that tau proteins might initially protect the brain from the Herpes virus, but cause brain damage down the line. In other words, the immune response designed to destroy the Herpes virus might create the conditions for Alzheimer’s to flourish. Other studies have found that a Herpes infection may double someone’s risk of dementia later in life.

What other infections are associated with Alzheimer’s?

It’s not just Herpes that’s in the hot seat. Other infections have been tied to Alzheimer’s, too.

Varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes shingles and chickenpox, may also increase the risk of dementia. A study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that Varicella-zoster virus may contribute to Alzheimer’s progression through the infection of the cerebral arteries.

COVID-19 has also been tied to dementia. One analysis led by researchers at Imperial College and the UK Dementia Research Institute found that people who had previously had COVID-19 were more likely to have increased levels of biomarkers linked to faulty amyloid proteins – a risk factor for Alzheimer’s.

Research has also shown that certain types of bacteria that live in the mouth and cause gum disease may increase the risk of dementia since our upper teeth offer direct neural paths to the brain.

What can I do to prevent Alzheimer’s?

While you can’t control whether you get Alzheimer’s, you can decrease your chances of getting it by making certain lifestyle choices.

1. Get lots of sleep: During sleep, the brain flushes out waste material and toxins, including amyloid-beta.
2. Reduce your stress: Stress can activate areas in your brain that internalize emotions, and cells in those areas may make more amyloid and experience more inflammation.
3. Exercise daily: Physical exercise is linked to a host of positive health outcomes, including better mental clarity and brain function.
4. Learn new things: Learning a new skill can foster new connections in the brain, creating long-term resilience.
5. Fix your diet: You’re less likely to develop neurological conditions if you cut out foods high in sugar, salt and highly processed ingredients.
6. Just floss: Flossing gets rid of gum bacteria that may increase your risk of developing dementia.

Final thoughts

While it’s impossible to determine your risk of Alzheimer’s simply by having a Herpes infection, knowing your STI status is an important first step in treating a condition that may have repercussions later in life.

If you think you may have been exposed to a Herpes infection, click the button below to book an STI test at a sexual health clinic near you.

Don’t leave your sexual health to chance. Book an appointment at a sexual health clinic near you.

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