Nose picking may increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease, study finds

New research suggests that Sticking your finger up your nose may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease., According to a report published in the journal Science Alert .

Although the researchers said the idea may seem “silly at first glance,” it makes sense because bacteria and viruses from fingers easily enter our system if we insert them through the nose.

The study’s main theory takes into account that the olfactory system has a direct pathway through the upper part of the nasal cavity to areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease, such as the hippocampus. This could be crucial for risk assessment, said a team of researchers from the University of Western Sydney in Australia.

“There are many factors that can contribute to the development of a disease such as Alzheimer’s disease.including amyloid peptide and tau deposition, but more recent evidence suggests that neuroinflammation may also play a role, at least partially, in its pathogenesis,” the researchers wrote in the published paper.

“In recent years, new studies have explored the possible involvement of foreign invasive pathogens in initiating or accelerating neuroinflammatory processes in Alzheimer’s disease,” they continue.

The study says nose picking can indirectly lead to brain inflammation, and they give two possible examples:

• Picking your nose means everything we can have on hand (pathogens) can be pushed upward.
• Removing things from your nose affects the balance of your microbiomepotentially making it a less effective barrier to the body.

In addition, the researchers note that nose picking has previously been associated with an increased risk of contracting other infections: for example, a study published in 2023 found a link between this habit and the possibility of contracting Covid-19.

The researchers admit they are still a long way from definitively concluding that nose picking increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but the signs are there and “as we learn more about this complex disease, we will also be able to work on more effective treatments.” treatment.” “

“Understanding the potential role of invading olfactory pathogens in AD-associated neuroinflammation opens new opportunities for prevention,” the researchers wrote. “Of all the entry routes, improving hand hygiene can be a simple preventive step, as evidenced by the COVID-19 epidemic.”