Can nose-picking habit increase risk of Alzheimer's?

Nose-picking is often considered a bad habit in childhood, but did you know that it is not just a matter of etiquette? A recent study has shown that nose-picking may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers at Griffith University (Australia) have found in a study conducted on mice that a common bacteria, Chlamydia pneumoniae, can reach the brain through the nose. This bacteria enters the brain via the olfactory nerve and can cause symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.

The study found that when mice were infected with Chlamydia pneumonia, a protein called amyloid beta was found deposited in their brains. The accumulation of amyloid beta is considered a major symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Not only this, the researchers also found that due to injury to the inner part of the nose (nasal epithelium), this bacteria can reach the olfactory nerve and the brain more quickly.

However, this research is still in its early stages and has been done only on mice. It is not yet clear what effect it has on the human body. However, this study indicates that there may be a possible link between nasal health and Alzheimer's disease.

Regarding the results of this research, Professor James Suter of Griffith University says that our study shows that the health of the nose can play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Keeping the nasal lining healthy and not plucking out nasal hair can possibly help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that slowly destroys brain cells. Due to this disease, memory starts to weaken, the ability to think and understand decreases and the person becomes unable to perform daily tasks. At present, there is no permanent cure for Alzheimer's, but it is believed that its risk can be reduced by changing lifestyle and adopting healthy habits.

After this new research, it is possible that in the future, attention can be paid to the health of the nose to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. However, more research is still needed to clarify whether there is really a direct link between the habit of picking one's nose and Alzheimer's or not.