

The herpes virus could account for at least half of Alzheimer’s cases, according to a new review of the findings of three recent studies examining links between Alzheimer’s and herpes.

Share on Pinterest Infection with the herpes simplex virus may boost the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s, researchers suggest.

The new paper, published in the Frontiers in Ageing Neuroscience journal, also suggests that antiviral drugs may reduce the risk of senile dementia — which is mostly caused by Alzheimer’s disease — among people who have severe cases of herpes.

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) is the type of herpes that results in cold sores.

HSV1 is a common virus, and the majority of people will have contracted it by the time they reach old age.

However, the virus remains permanently in the body and cannot be decisively removed either by the body’s natural defense mechanisms or by drugs.

The virus is inactive most of the time, but when a person has HSV1, they may find that flare-ups occur when they are stressed or sick, resulting in characteristic blisters.

Medical News Today have reported on several studies this year alone that have provided evidence of a connection between Alzheimer’s and herpes.

In June, we looked at a study in which postmortem tests on brain tissue support a mechanistic link between Alzheimer’s and the herpes viruses HHV-6A and HHV-7.

And in July, we brought you news on a study that found the use of antiherpetic medication may dramatically reduce dementia risk.