A common habit, often ignored as just an unwanted social behavior, may be paving a dangerous path to one of the most serious neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer’s.

Scientists have raised the alarm that nose scratching may have an unexpected and disturbing link to the development of dementia, based on the latest research into how bacteria enter our system. nerve.

According to a new study led by researchers at Griffith University in Australia, there is a hypothetical but scientifically reliable link between damage to the internal tissues of the nose and the risk of brain infection.

When we scratch the nose or pluck its hairs, we can cause microinjuries to the nasal epithelium, the thin protective tissue that lines the nasal cavity. These damages serve as an “open gate” for bacteria, especially the species Chlamydia pneumoniae.

This bacterium, known to cause pneumonia in humans, has also been detected in the majority of brains of patients suffering from late-onset dementia.

The research, published in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports, was based on laboratory tests in mice, where it was observed that within a record time of 24 to 72 hours, bacteria could travel through the olfactory nerve directly into the subject’s brain.

The olfactory nerve, which connects the nasal cavity to the brain, serves as a fast “highway” for pathogens, bypassing the body’s protective barriers.

In response to this bacterial invasion, the mice’s brains began to deposit amyloid-beta protein, which is the main hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. as it accumulates in the form of plaques that destroy communication between neurons.

Neuroscientist James St John, says these findings are potentially frightening for humans as well, since the same bacteria are present in our environment.

Although further clinical research in humans is needed to fully confirm this process, scientists suggest that prevention starts with simple hygiene.

Lessons learned from the pandemic COVID-19 on frequent hand washing and the use of disinfectants are also vital to protect the brain.

Avoid scratching the nose and pulling hairs is not only a matter of etiquette, but a protective measure to avoid damaging the mucosa that protects our intelligence center. /tesheshi.com/

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Source: prizrenpost