Recent research reveals that dormant herpes viruses in the brain could be activated by injuries, potentially triggering Alzheimer's disease. Studies have long indicated that head trauma increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. New findings suggest that such injuries may 'awaken' dormant viruses, leading to inflammation and long-term damage associated with Alzheimer's, the most common cause of dementia.
Scientists from the UK and the US conducted laboratory studies that may accelerate antiviral drug research for herpes, ultimately aiming to slow the onset of degenerative diseases. Professor Ruth Itzhaki from the University of Oxford’s Population Aging Institute stated, 'We discovered that these injuries can reactivate a dormant virus, HSV-1. This triggers inflammation and may lead to the brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s patients.'
Dr. Dana Kearns, a biomedical engineering researcher at Tufts University, emphasized the implications of the findings, questioning whether antiviral or anti-inflammatory treatments could serve as early preventive measures after head trauma to halt HSV-1 activation and reduce Alzheimer's risk.
For their study, researchers recreated a brain model in the lab, infecting some cells with the dormant HSV-1 virus. They simulated severe head trauma using a single strong strike and lesser impacts to mimic mild concussions. Following exposure to repeated 'mild hits,' the previously dormant HSV-1 became active, triggering inflammation, beta-amyloid plaque accumulation, and the formation of harmful tau proteins, all characteristic indicators of Alzheimer’s disease. There were also signs of decreased brain cell function.
In the journal Science Signaling, the scientists explained, 'We believe that following brain injury from repeated hits, the resulting reactivation of HSV-1 leads to dementia development. This suggests that HSV-1 is a major cause of Alzheimer’s disease.'
Professor Robert Howard from University College London noted the study's importance, stating, 'It highlights a potential mechanism for the observed association between herpes virus infection, brain injuries, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, it’s crucial to remember that correlation does not imply causation. More research is needed before this is considered a plausible mechanism for dementia development.'
Preventing brain injuries, especially in contact sports, is already recognized as a significant strategy for dementia prevention. Research shows that multiple head impacts may more than double the likelihood of developing a neurodegenerative condition months or years later. A 2023 study found that professional football players are three times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than the general population. Interestingly, a study published last year from the University of New South Wales in Australia found that individuals who experienced concussions while playing sports had marginally better cognitive performance than those who did not report concussions.