Research has uncovered a potential connection between nose-picking and an elevated risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A study published in October 2022 by a team from Griffith University in Australia suggests that picking the nose could allow harmful bacteria easier access to the brain. While the findings are intriguing, they primarily stem from experiments conducted in mice and require further examination in humans.
The study focused on the bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae, known for causing pneumonia in humans. Notably, this bacterium has been found in the majority of brains affected by late-onset dementia. Researchers demonstrated that in mice, C. pneumoniae could travel through the olfactory nerve, which connects the nasal cavity directly to the brain. Damage to the nasal epithelium, the thin tissue lining the nasal cavity, exacerbated the infection, leading to increased deposits of amyloid-beta protein in the brain. This protein is commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease due to its formation of plaques within affected brains.
Dr. James St John, a neuroscientist involved in the study, remarked, “We’re the first to show that Chlamydia pneumoniae can go directly up the nose and into the brain where it can set off pathologies that look like Alzheimer’s disease.” The speed at which the bacterium infected the central nervous system of the mice, within just 24 to 72 hours, surprised researchers. Such rapid infection suggests that the nasal route may serve as a swift pathway for bacteria and viruses to reach the brain.
While these findings are noteworthy, it is crucial to approach them cautiously. The study’s implications for human health remain uncertain, particularly whether similar processes occur in people. Dr. St John emphasized the need for further research to determine if the same mechanisms operate in humans. “We need to do this study in humans and confirm whether the same pathway operates in the same way,” he stated.
Despite the study’s limitations, it raises significant questions about common behaviors such as nose-picking. Research indicates that up to 90% of people engage in this habit, though the health implications are not fully understood. The researchers caution against the practice, urging individuals to be mindful of the potential damage it may cause to the protective tissue within the nose. “If you damage the lining of the nose, you can increase how many bacteria can go up into your brain,” Dr. St John warned.
As scientists continue to explore the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease, this research adds another layer to the ongoing inquiry. The mechanisms behind the disease remain elusive, but each study contributes to a broader understanding of environmental and biological factors that may influence its development.
Future research will aim to clarify whether increased deposits of amyloid-beta protein are a natural immune response that can be reversed once an infection is resolved. An additional review in 2024 further supports the hypothesis that nose-picking could increase Alzheimer’s risk, prompting scientists to investigate the potential roles of bacteria and viruses in this neurodegenerative condition.
Dr. St John noted the growing risk of Alzheimer’s with age, stating, “Once you get over 65 years old, your risk factor goes right up, but we’re looking at other causes as well.” He highlighted the importance of understanding how environmental exposures, including bacteria and viruses, may affect brain health.
The findings from Griffith University were published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports. As research continues, the scientific community remains hopeful that these inquiries will lead to new insights into preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease.
