Head Injuries May Trigger Dormant Virus, Increasing Dementia Risk: Study

A groundbreaking study has uncovered a potential link between head injuries and dementia through the reactivation of dormant viruses. Published by a team of researchers from Oxford, Tufts, and Manchester universities, the study found that concussions could awaken the HSV-1 virus, commonly associated with cold sores, in the brain.

This reactivation leads to inflammation and changes in brain function similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s patients, such as amyloid plaques and gliosis. Using bioengineered brain models, researchers demonstrated how injuries trigger this process and identified an inflammatory molecule, Interleukin-1, as a key factor. Blocking this molecule in the study helped prevent the harmful effects, offering hope for early interventions in dementia treatment.

While the findings are significant, they were derived from laboratory models, not human trials. Experts emphasize the need for further research to better understand the relationship between injury severity, frequency, and dementia risk.

“Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing treatments and preventive strategies,” said Professor Ruth Itzhaki, the study’s lead researcher

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