A Common Virus Emerging as Potential Culprit in Alzheimer’s Disease

New research adds to evidence that a common herpes virus increases the risk of the neurogenerative condition. 

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The silent terror of Alzheimer’s disease is slowly robbing millions of their memories and cognitive abilities.

Advanced age and genetics have long been identified as risk factors for this condition, but a new study has uncovered a surprising—and very common—new culprit that may be contributing to the cognitive decline: the herpes simplex virus, known for causing cold sores.

Herpes Simplex Virus May Double Risk of Alzheimer’s

In a Swedish study published in February in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers examined a group of more than 1,000 cognitively healthy 70-year-olds over 15 years. The participants were assessed at baseline, then again at ages 75 and 80, and their medical records were followed until age 85.