Treating Herpes May Reduce The Risk Of Alzheimer’s And Depression

Could treating herpes early reduce the risk of illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and depression? According to the latest research findings, yes. Now, how does all this translate? Let’s look at it in more detail below.

Many people suffer sporadically from herpes virus infections, especially in the area of ​​the lips and mucous membranes. It is also possible that the infection appears from the weather changes, sun exposure, contact with an irritating food, fatigue, stress or hormonal changes (in the case of women). 

The importance of detecting and treating diseases early has always been stressed, but now, treating herpes is even more important given that recently they have been released data that have generated, in addition to surprise, great interest.

The evidence found indicates that there is a certain relationship between the herpes virus and the risk of suffering from depression and Alzheimer’s. Therefore, treating herpes would be crucial in preventing them.

The herpes virus settles and stays

Human herpes are a large family of highly infectious viruses. Once the cells are infected, they remain housed in a lethal state and, depending on the favorable circumstances (fatigue, stress, weakness), they generate outbreaks of infection. 

The common thing is that the outbreaks of these viruses generate infections in the skin and mucous membranes (cold and genital herpes). However, other neuroscientific studies have pointed out that brain cells can also become infected with these viruses.

Once in the blood, these pathogenic microorganisms can reach the brain and settle in its cells, being able to reactivate in the future, as we age.

Some aspects to keep in mind

We must remember that the herpes simplex viruses (types 1 and 2) usually cause relapsing or recurrent infection and affect the skin, mouth, lips, eyes and genitals.

On the other hand, the MSD Manual also indicates that the most frequent infections of greater severity are: encephalitis, meningitis, neonatal herpes and, in immunodeficient patients, generalized infection.

With this in mind, we can go on to answer the following question: would herpes viruses be responsible for Alzheimer’s cases? 

The herpes virus and Alzheimer’s: are they related?

Some scientific works that have investigated this question have found that the herpes virus, when it is in the brain, generates inflammation (neuroinflammation) which is one of the risk factors for Alzheimer’s. The accumulation of these viruses in the brain could contribute to the generation of senile plaques, which are abundant in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. 

To better understand the relevance of herpes viruses in brain diseases, a study was carried out in which they found that treatments with antiviral drugs (when there were herpes outbreaks) reduced the risk of suffering from senile dementia by up to 50% in the future.

Furthermore, the protection against the risk of dementia was greater the longer the treatment period (more than 30 days). This opens the door to new research that could reveal very interesting data that, in turn, could improve treatment for Alzheimer’s.

The herpes virus and mood

Research also points to the herpes virus being linked to depression, one of the most common mood disorders.

Another interesting aspect that has been studied is the effect of herpes virus infections on illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

In this sense, Post-mortem analysis of the nervous system of people who had suffered from these diseases presented herpes viruses more frequently than the brains of people who had not suffered from these diseases.

Therefore, antiviral drug treatment is proposed as a preventive of brain diseases. Doses, drug type, and treatment regimen still require further investigation. Without a doubt, they must be treated properly to avoid greater risks of mental illness.   

Treating herpes to prevent Alzheimer’s and depression?

Treating herpes has perhaps never been more important than now.  This leads us to reflect on various issues, including the value of following the doctor’s instructions or going for a consultation in case of discomfort or concerns.