Picking your nose might increase your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a new study shows.
A protein called beta-amyloid is believed to be a cause of the progressive dementia that characterizes Alzheimer’s disease. And according to a recent report, beta-amyloid may be produced in the brain as a defense mechanism to pathogens that are introduced via the nasal cavity — that is, sticking dirty fingers in the nose.
As a result, the report’s writers suggested that “neuroinflammation in [Alzheimer’s disease] might be partially caused by pathogens entering the brain through the olfactory system.”
“There is even some evidence to suggest that [beta-amyloid] may have antibacterial properties as a defense mechanism against microbial infections in the brain,” the report, published in the peer-reviewed journal Biomolecules, said.
Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, the report said, adding that “these pathogens are known to establish persistent, latent, or chronic infections in peripheral tissues, including the nasal epithelium, where they may persist for extended periods without causing overt symptoms, until they enter the brain with pathological consequences.”
“The olfactory system represents a plausible route for pathogen entry, given its direct anatomical connection to the brain and its involvement in the early stages of AD,” the report explained.
The report’s authors urged people to stop picking their nose.
“It is essential to note that the temporary relief obtained from nose picking is not a substitute for proper nasal hygiene, which involves regular cleaning and maintenance of the nasal passages through gentle methods such as saline nasal rinses or blowing the nose,” the report said.
“One of the lessons learned from COVID-19 is the value of hand hygiene through frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers, and we suggest these routine hygienic procedures be mandatory routine procedures for the incurable nose-picker,” the reported added.