Scientists herpes increases the risk of dementia

Virologists from the University of Umea in two large epidemiological studies have shown that the herpes virus increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in the elderly.

Doctors have long linked the herpes virus and Alzheimer's disease, based on the fact that a weakened immune system the elderly creates opportunities for the spread of the virus on the brain. Hugo Lövheim and Fredrik Elgh confirmed this. In one study, which was attended by more than 3430 people, the researchers found that the infection twice increases risk of development of Alzheimer's disease.

In another scientific experiment involving 360 patients, researchers have identified similar indicators of development of the disease if the person was a carrier of the herpes virus. Lövheim: "Our results clearly show that there is a link between infections of herpes simplex virus and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. It also means that we have new opportunities to develop treatment forms to stop the disease."