If you’ve ever had a cold sore, the viral infection that caused it may lead to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease down the line. A growing body of evidence suggests that herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) — a common virus that often results in cold sores — is linked to Alzheimer’s.
Several studies have found a correlation between HSV-1 infection and tau proteins, which play a major role in Alzheimer's progression. Find out what can happen inside your aging brain after catching this viral infection, and what scientists are saying about possible therapeutic treatments.
Alzheimer’s: A Growing Problem
Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia associated with severe memory loss and other cognitive impairments, will become even more prevalent over the next few decades. In the U.S. alone, the number of people suffering from the condition will nearly double by 2050, with cases expected to jump from 7 million to 13 million.
