Nose picking is one of the involuntary habits from childhood. Many people in society pick their noses without even realizing it. However, in their research, scientists found that picking the nose damages the brain and causes various diseases.
CAN CAUSE ALZHIEMER’S DISEASE
According to a new study published in the medical journal Nature, damage to the nasal membrane can make it easier for bacteria located in the nose to reach the brain, and the proteins produced in the brain to fight these bacteria can form clumps similar to those in Alzheimer’s disease.
RESEARCH WAS DONE ON MICE
In a study conducted by Griffith University in Australia on mice, Chlamydia bacteria was injected into the nose of a group of mice and salt water was injected into another group.
Chlamydia pneumoniae causes respiratory infections and pneumonia, and can also be found in the brains of patients with late-onset dementia. It was shown that after 72 hours, bacteria such as Chlamydia pneumoniae in the nose can reach the brain through the olfactory and trigeminal nerves as a result of the injuries in the nasal mucosa.
MORE BACTERIA IS CREATING
In the examinations conducted 28 days later, the mice that received the infectious dose detected more bacteria in the part of the brain closest to the nose. This area was the part of the brain related to the sense of smell. Mice injected with the bacteria in their noses also had clusters of amyloid β protein produced around the bacteria to fight infection. Gene profiles for Alzheimer’s disease were also found to be greater 28 days after infection than seven days after infection.
THE RESEARCH IS NOT COMPLETED YET
The next step is to conduct the research in humans. Professor St John said: “We need to do this study in humans and confirm whether the same pathway works in the same way. It is research that has been proposed by many but is not yet completed. What we do know is that the same bacteria are present in humans, but we haven’t been able to figure out how they got there. It’s not a good idea to pluck your nose hairs,” she said.
ODOR TESTS CAN DETECT ALZHEIMER
“We don’t want to damage the inside of our nose and picking can do that. If you damage the lining of the nose, you can increase the amount of bacteria entering your brain.” According to Professor St John, smell tests can also help detect Alzheimer’s, because loss of the sense of smell is often considered an early indicator.