{"id":8646,"date":"2025-05-02T15:05:57","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T15:05:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/?p=8646"},"modified":"2025-08-04T15:14:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T15:14:07","slug":"whats-the-link-between-herpes-and-alzheimers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/whats-the-link-between-herpes-and-alzheimers\/","title":{"rendered":"What&#8217;s the link between Herpes and Alzheimer&#8217;s?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What\u2019s the link between Herpes and Alzheimer\u2019s?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rN9Ozh20M34?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It might be difficult to imagine two conditions more different than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/herpes\"><strong>Herpes<\/strong><\/a> and Alzheimer\u2019s. How could they have anything in common?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"752\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image.jpeg\" alt=\"A close-up of a person\n\nAI-generated content may be incorrect.\" class=\"wp-image-8647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image.jpeg 752w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-300x152.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Think you might have Herpes? Find out with Better2Know\u2019s Home Test Kit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/shop\/products\/home-testing-kits\/herpes-test\">Get tested<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>What is Herpes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You probably know what Herpes is, but to understand its connection to Alzheimer\u2019s, you need to know how this virus operates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Herpes isn\u2019t a single infection, but refers to a whole host of infections caused by viruses that fall within a specific family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people are familiar with the strains of Herpes that may be 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 \u2013 it can be caught during sex, but is most commonly caught while you are a child. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But that\u2019s just the strains that can be sexually transmitted. The Herpesviridae family includes a variety of viruses that can infect humans and animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol type=\"1\"><li><strong>Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV):<\/strong> Also known as human herpesvirus 3 (HHV-3), this virus causes chickenpox in children and, if it reactivates, shingles in adults.<\/li><li><strong>Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV):<\/strong> Known as human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), EBV is associated with infectious mononucleosis (mono) and has been linked to certain types of cancer.<\/li><li><strong>Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV):<\/strong> Also referred to as human herpesvirus 5 (HHV-5), HCMV can cause serious infections in newborns and immunocompromised individuals.<\/li><li><strong>Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6):<\/strong> This virus is divided into two variants, HHV-6A and HHV-6B, and is known for causing roseola in infants.<\/li><li><strong>Human Herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7):<\/strong> Similar to HHV-6, HHV-7 is also associated with roseola and other febrile illnesses in children.<\/li><li><strong>Kaposi&#8217;s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV): <\/strong>Also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), this virus is linked to Kaposi&#8217;s sarcoma, a type of cancer that may affect individuals with AIDS.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2>What is Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Alzheimer&#8217;s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It\u2019s the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Early symptoms of Alzheimer&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In advanced stages, patients may lose the ability to perform everyday tasks, recognise loved ones, and respond to their environment. The progression of Alzheimer&#8217;s can vary, but it typically spans several years, with individuals living four to eight years after diagnosis, though some may live longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Does getting Herpes cause Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, might have a link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Researchers have largely established that two molecules tend to be found in high levels in the brains of people with Alzheimer\u2019s: 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Neuroinflammation (brain inflammation) is also strongly associated with Alzheimer\u2019s. The immune system attacks foreign pathogens and works to heal injury, but this process can also damage the brain\u2019s healthy cells, which can itself cause more neuroinflammation. This can lead to neurons degenerating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s unlikely that just one type of pathogen will encourage Alzheimer\u2019s. Evidence suggests that a number of different microbes can all trigger Alzheimer\u2019s in different people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.pitt.edu\/news\/herpes-virus-might-drive-alzheimers-pathology-study-suggests\"><strong>study<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0out 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\u2019s to flourish. Other\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10894565\/\"><strong>studies<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0have found that having antibodies against Herpes type 1 infection may double someone\u2019s risk of dementia later in life. Herpes is common, so it is difficult to know what is really going on. Interestingly, though, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1878747923015738\"><strong>people who get treatment for their Herpes attacks are less likely to develop dementia<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What other infections are associated with Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not just Herpes that\u2019s in the hot seat. Other infections have been tied to Alzheimer\u2019s, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes shingles and chickenpox, may also increase the risk of dementia. A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1002\/alz.090837\"><strong>study<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0published in\u00a0<em>Alzheimer\u2019s &amp; Dementia<\/em>\u00a0found that Varicella-zoster virus may contribute to Alzheimer\u2019s progression through the infection of the cerebral arteries. In fact, recently another <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41586-025-08800-x\"><strong>study<\/strong><\/a> showed that people vaccinated with the anti-zoster vaccine showed a 20% reduction in dementia when followed up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>COVID-19 has also been tied to dementia. One <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imperial.ac.uk\/news\/260553\/covid-19-linked-increase-biomarkers-abnormal-brain\/\"><strong>analysis<\/strong><\/a> 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 \u2013 a risk factor for Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/news\/large-study-links-gum-disease-dementia\"><strong>Research<\/strong><\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What can I do to prevent Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While you can\u2019t control whether you get Alzheimer\u2019s, you can decrease your chances of getting it by making certain lifestyle choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol type=\"1\"><li><strong>Get lots of sleep:<\/strong> During sleep, the brain flushes out waste material and toxins, including amyloid-beta.<\/li><li><strong>Reduce your stress:<\/strong> Stress can activate areas in your brain that internalize emotions, and cells in those areas may make more amyloid and experience more inflammation.<\/li><li><strong>Exercise daily:<\/strong> Physical exercise is linked to a host of positive health outcomes, including better mental clarity and brain function.<\/li><li><strong>Learn new things:<\/strong> Learning a new skill can foster new connections in the brain, creating long-term resilience.<\/li><li><strong>Fix your diet:<\/strong> You\u2019re less likely to develop neurological conditions if you cut out foods high in sugar, salt and highly processed ingredients.<\/li><li><strong><strong>Act quickly if you notice memory problems:<\/strong> <\/strong>If you have noticed any memory problems or confusion, get medical help. There are treatment options to slow dementia if detected early.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2>Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s impossible to determine your risk of Alzheimer\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"752\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-1.jpeg\" alt=\"A person holding a phone\n\nAI-generated content may be incorrect.\" class=\"wp-image-8648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-1.jpeg 752w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-1-300x152.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Don\u2019t leave your sexual health to chance. Book an appointment at a sexual health clinic near you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/clinics\/book-online\/choose-clinic\">Get tested<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<!-- Simple Share Buttons Adder (8.1.2) simplesharebuttons.com --><div class=\"ssba-classic-2 ssba ssbp-wrap left ssbp--theme-1\"><div style=\"text-align:left\"><span class=\"ssba-share-text\">Share this...<\/span><br\/><a data-site=\"\" class=\"ssba_facebook_share\" href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8646\"  target=\"_blank\" ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/facebook.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Share on Facebook\" \/><div title=\"Facebook\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Facebook<\/div><\/a><a data-site='pinterest' class='ssba_pinterest_share' href='javascript:void((function()%7Bvar%20e=document.createElement(&apos;script&apos;);e.setAttribute(&apos;type&apos;,&apos;text\/javascript&apos;);e.setAttribute(&apos;charset&apos;,&apos;UTF-8&apos;);e.setAttribute(&apos;src&apos;,&apos;\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinmarklet.js?r=&apos;+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)%7D)());'><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/pinterest.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Pin on Pinterest\" \/><div title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Pinterest<\/div><\/a><a data-site=\"\" class=\"ssba_twitter_share\" href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8646&amp;text=What%E2%80%99s%20the%20link%20between%20Herpes%20and%20Alzheimer%E2%80%99s%3F%20\"  target=&quot;_blank&quot; ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/twitter.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Tweet about this on Twitter\" \/><div title=\"Twitter\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Twitter<\/div><\/a><a data-site=\"linkedin\" class=\"ssba_linkedin_share ssba_share_link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8646\"  target=&quot;_blank&quot; ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/linkedin.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"LinkedIn\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Share on LinkedIn\" \/><div title=\"Linkedin\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Linkedin<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This article has been medically reviewed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/dr-steve-chapman\"><strong>Dr. Steve Chapman<\/strong><\/a>, 04\/08\/2025.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It might be difficult to imagine two conditions more different than Herpes and Alzheimer\u2019s. 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":""},"categories":[6,16,19],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[820,2312,2315,563,961,560,639],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8646"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8646"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8646\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8760,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8646\/revisions\/8760"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8646"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8646"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8646"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=8646"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}