A new study suggests that there may be a connection between nose picking and the potential risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This link is currently being taken into serious consideration by experts.
It’s an idea that may seem unconventional at first, but becomes more logical upon closer consideration. It is important to note that when fingers come into contact with the nose, bacteria and viruses can easily enter the body.
In a recent review conducted by researchers from Western Sydney University in Australia, the intricate relationship between the olfactory system and Alzheimer’s disease has taken center stage.
Shedding light on the direct connection between the olfactory system, situated in the nasal cavity, and the brain regions affected by Alzheimer’s, such as the hippocampus, the team suggests a critical consideration of this potential risk.
While conventional factors like amyloid peptide and tau deposition have been implicated in Alzheimer’s development, the researchers posit that neuroinflammation may play a pivotal, albeit partial, role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Recent studies have ventured into exploring the role of external pathogens in triggering or intensifying neuroinflammatory processes associated with Alzheimer’s.
Delving deeper into their investigation, the review highlights an unexpected contender in the Alzheimer’s risk equation: nose-picking, scientifically known as rhinotillexomania.
The researchers propose two potential mechanisms through which nose-picking may indirectly contribute to brain inflammation.
Connecting Nose-Picking to Brain Health
Firstly, the act of nose-picking propels substances on our fingertips, including pathogens, towards the brain.
Secondly, disturbing the nasal microbiome balance during nose-picking could compromise its effectiveness as a barrier to the body.
It’s worth noting that previous research has linked nose-picking to an increased risk of infection, as demonstrated by a study associating the habit with a higher likelihood of contracting COVID-19.
Additionally, a 2022 study involving mice connected nose-picking to Alzheimer’s, revealing that damage to the nasal epithelium could elevate infection risk, triggering a response in the brain akin to that observed in Alzheimer’s patients.
The review also underscores notable indicators, such as the regular discovery of viruses in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and the early manifestation of Alzheimer’s signs in the olfactory bulb, responsible for detecting smells.
While a definitive conclusion regarding the correlation between nose-picking and Alzheimer’s risk remains distant, the emerging signs prompt further exploration. As our understanding of this intricate disease deepens, researchers emphasize the potential for more effective treatments.
“Recognizing the possible role of olfactory pathogen entry in AD-associated neuroinflammation opens up new avenues for prevention,” assert the researchers.
“Improving hand hygiene, as learned from the COVID-19 epidemic, stands out as a simple preventive measure among all entry routes.”
