Research has unveiled a potential connection between nose-picking and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports highlights how this common habit may enable harmful pathogens to enter the brain through the nasal cavity, raising concerns about its implications for neurological health.
The findings indicate that the act of picking one’s nose could facilitate the entry of bacteria, fungi, and viruses directly into the brain. Once inside, these pathogens may trigger the deposition of amyloid beta protein, a key contributor to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. As noted by Medical News Today, amyloid beta forms plaques that are associated with various symptoms of Alzheimer’s, including memory loss and behavioral changes.
Prof. James St John, head of the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research and the study’s supervising author, explained that the olfactory nerve in the nasal cavity creates a direct pathway to the brain. This connection allows bacteria to bypass the blood-brain barrier, which typically protects the brain from such intrusions.
In support of these findings, a 2022 study involving mice demonstrated that Chlamydia pneumoniae, a bacterium linked to pneumonia, can exploit this route to reach the central nervous system. “Other studies have shown that Chlamydia pneumoniae is present in Alzheimer’s plaques in humans,” Prof. St John stated. “However, it remains unclear how these bacteria arrive at the plaques and whether they are causative agents or merely associated with Alzheimer’s pathologies.”
Prof. St John advises against the habit of nose-picking and suggests that individuals should refrain from plucking nasal hair. He warns that damaging the nasal lining may increase the risk of bacteria entering the brain. While this behavior may not be the sole cause of Alzheimer’s disease, it could contribute to its onset.
“There are potentially many microorganisms that may influence the onset of Alzheimer’s,” he noted. “We all carry bacteria and viruses in our brains, but not everyone develops Alzheimer’s. It could be a complex interplay of microbes and genetic factors that lead to the disease.”
He also emphasized that the process of developing Alzheimer’s may take time. “We don’t believe that bacteria entering the brain will immediately result in dementia. Instead, we think it may initiate a slow progression of pathologies over decades before any symptoms manifest,” he added.
Another study published in the journal Biomolecules suggests a similar link between nose-picking and Alzheimer’s disease. Although research continues to explore the causal relationship, the findings highlight the importance of maintaining hygiene. Medical experts recommend routine practices such as frequent hand washing and using hand sanitizers to mitigate health risks associated with this habit.
As investigations into the connections between nose-picking and neurological disorders progress, health professionals continue to advocate for better hygiene practices. While the implications of these findings are still being unraveled, they serve as a reminder of the potential health risks associated with seemingly innocuous behaviors.
