Nose-picking link to dementia to be explored
Scientists are trying to work out if a bacteria linked to dementia gets into human brains through the nose, like it does in mice
Australian researchers are examining the potential link between nose picking or plucking nasal hairs and dementia.
Griffith University researchers have proven that the Chlamydia pneumoniae bacteria that is linked to late-onset dementia can enter the central nervous systems of mice through the olfactory nerves of their noses.
Griffith University researchers have proven that the Chlamydia pneumoniae bacteria that’s linked to late-onset dementia can enter the central nervous systems of mice through the olfactory nerves of their noses.
Lead author Professor James St John says mouse brain cells respond to the bacteria by depositing amyloid beta protein, which clumps into plaques disrupting neurons and cells in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
