A common habit-nose-picking-may have unexpected neurological consequences, according to new research. Scientists have discovered a potential link between the bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae and the progress of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The Griffith university study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests the pathogen can travel from the nose to the brain via the olfactory nerve, prompting further investigation into potential environmental factors in the development of dementia.
Picking your nose may allow pathogens to travel directly to the brain via the olfactory nerve. A specific bacterium has been found to leave traces in the brain that are also present in those with Alzheimer’s disease, according to recent research.
For many, nose-picking is an unappealing but seemingly harmless habit. However, this common behavior may have serious consequences. According to information from Aok.de, the delicate skin inside the nose can be injured. Frequent nose-picking can also thin the mucous membrane of the nasal septum, potentially leading to a perforation. Furthermore, germs can enter the nose through picking. Researchers have discovered that a particular bacterium can leave traces in the brain that are “a treacherous sign of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Researchers Discover Potential Link Between Nose-Picking and Alzheimer’s Disease
A research team at Griffith University in Australia found that the bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae can travel directly into the brain during experiments with mice. This is a common pathogen transmitted through the air, often causing asymptomatic infections or mild sore throats. However, in individuals with weakened immune systems, it can lead to pneumonia.
The study’s findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, showed that the bacterium reached the central nervous system via the olfactory nerve in the animals. In response to the intrusion, brain cells began to deposit amyloid-beta protein. These plaques, primarily composed of this protein buildup, are characteristic of dementia. If the pathogen reaches the brain, it can trigger processes that resemble Alzheimer’s disease. Further research is underway to determine if the same occurs in humans.
How Alzheimer’s Could Be Connected to Nose-Picking
The olfactory nerve extends between the nasal cavity and the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier, which makes it easier for pathogens to enter the brain directly. Researchers explain that picking your nose and plucking nasal hairs can increase the risk of the bacterium reaching the brain, as the act damages the mucous membrane of the nasal septum. They therefore advise against this habit. Understanding the pathways of neurodegenerative diseases is crucial for developing preventative strategies and potential treatments.
