2023-11-20 15:48:32
Title: Study Finds Possible Connection Between Genital Herpes and Brain Health
Date Published: 20 November 2023
By: Jean-Claude Gerber
A recent study conducted by scientists at Columbia University in New York has revealed a potential link between genital herpes and a thinner cerebral cortex. The study, which was published in the “Journal of Neuroscience,” suggests that individuals who carry the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) may be at risk of experiencing cognitive decline and increased susceptibility to conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers analyzed MRI brain scans and blood test results of 455 adults with an average age of 70 who were participating in a long-term health monitoring study in Manhattan. They found that those who tested positive for HSV-2, the sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes, tended to have a less thick cerebral cortex. This outermost layer of the brain, which controls important functions such as memory, perception, and language, is crucial for overall brain health.
Bryce Vissel, a researcher at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, Australia, who was not involved in the study, expressed concern about the findings, stating that thinning of the cerebral cortex generally represents the onset of cognitive decline and increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
While the study does not definitively prove that HSV-2 causes brain degeneration, the researchers noted a strong correlation between the virus and reduced brain substance. Previous studies have also found that infected individuals performed worse in cognitive tests, further supporting the potential negative impact of HSV-2 on brain health.
Looking ahead, the study’s findings raise the possibility that vaccinations against herpes viruses could one day help reduce the risk of dementia. However, more research is needed to confirm the link between genital herpes and its impact on brain health.
As the scientific community continues to investigate the potential connection between genital herpes and brain health, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about developments in this area. The study’s publication in the “Journal of Neuroscience” marks an important step in understanding the potential risks associated with HSV-2 and underscores the importance of ongoing research in this field.]
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