Those who frequently touch their nose with their hands may be at risk of contracting a major disease. According to the news in the Daily Star, a study showed that picking your nose can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Although nose picking may seem like a harmless habit, it can actually have some worrying consequences. New research has revealed that this may cause memory problems in people. A review of dozens of published studies on the mechanisms behind neurological diseases was recently compiled by researchers at Western Sydney University and published in the journal Biomolecules. As a result of these studies, it was revealed that people who pick their noses are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
In the report, the team noted: “Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease may be caused in part by the entry of viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens into the brain via the nose and olfactory system.” Rhinotillexomania is the medical term used to describe chronic nose picking and can cause germs to enter the delicate nasal cavity, leading to inflammation in the brain. When this occurs as a result of a buildup of microbes, it can lead to a harmful buildup of amyloid beta proteins.
Experts say this is common in the brains of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The neurodegenerative condition is the most common form of dementia. Currently, scientists cannot say exactly what causes Alzheimer’s in people, but it has been determined that a protein called tau forms in the brains of patients. This is associated with the body’s immune response. When immune cells are triggered too frequently by invasions, researchers think the stress inflammation causes on the body can lead to a variety of diseases.
The team added: “Emerging research in recent years has explored the possible role of external, invasive pathogens in initiating or accelerating neuroinflammatory processes in AD. The olfactory system represents a plausible route for pathogen entry, given its direct anatomical connection to the brain and Alzheimer’s disease.” Its role in the early stages of
“One of the lessons learned from Covid-19 is the value of hand hygiene through frequent hand washing and use of disinfectant,” they said. “We recommend that these routine hygienic procedures become mandatory routine procedures for incurable nose pickers.”