Research in recent years has shown that infections that may seem harmless at first glance can actually have serious consequences for brain health. Common infections, such as the flu or even a simple cold, can lead to cognitive decline and increase the risk of dementia in older age, scientists say.
A recent study by scientists suggests a potential long-term link between common infections, such as the flu, and an increased risk of developing dementia later in life. Such data indicate that millions of people who have ever suffered from common diseases may be at risk of developing diseases such as dementia, InsideHook writes.
In a study published in the journal Nature Aging, scientists looked at a variety of infections, including the flu, respiratory and skin infections, and found that such illnesses can lead to an increased risk of developing dementia decades later. The authors attributed this increased risk to the fact that infections can cause acute inflammatory responses or alter the host's immune system, which can eventually affect the brain and nervous system.
The study analyzed 15 different types of infections and found that six of them were associated with loss of brain volume, an important indicator in the development of cognitive impairment and dementia. This link between infections and brain health suggests the long-term effects that illnesses like the flu can have on neurological function, even years after recovery. Keenan Walker, one of the authors of the study from the National Institute on Aging, emphasized that the connection between infections and the risk of dementia is not related to any specific type of infection. He emphasized the importance of both preventive measures, such as vaccination, and prompt care after infection to potentially mitigate these long-term effects.
Additional research findings support the idea that a wide range of factors other than infections affect the risk of dementia. A report published in the journal The Lancet identified 14 factors that contribute to 45% of dementia cases worldwide. Among these factors are the level of education, hearing and vision loss, insufficient physical activity, as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. This report highlights that prevention of dementia may require a holistic approach that includes both lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
A growing number of studies linking infections and cognitive decline show the real difficulty of preventing dementia. Although infections such as influenza appear to represent a long-term risk, broader lifestyle and health factors play a significant role in determining overall risk, suggesting that proactive health management throughout life is critical to avoiding the development of diseases
