Strong connection

Dementia occurs when damage to brain cells interferes with their ability to communicate, leading to memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline. Different types of dementia target specific areas of the brain, with Alzheimer’s disease typically affecting the hippocampus — the region responsible for memory and learning.

The concern with herpes is that it doesn’t just stay on the skin. Once it enters the body, it can travel along nerve pathways, remaining dormant in the nervous system. HSV-1, the oral form of herpes, appears to be the primary concern when it comes to dementia risk. Some researchers believe that reactivations of the virus over time could cause long-term inflammation in the brain, increasing the likelihood of cognitive decline.

“We still do not have answers regarding causal mechanisms of this association, whether the virus causes the disease or if there is an indirect link,” said Erika Vestin, a lead author of the study.

This means that while a strong correlation has been found, researchers still need to determine whether herpes is directly causing dementia or simply increasing susceptibility in some way.