Research suggests a concerning connection between the common habit of nose picking and a potential increase in Alzheimer’s disease risk. A recent study indicates that this frequent behavior, practiced by approximately 90% of the population, may introduce harmful bacteria into the nasal cavity, leading to infections and inflammation that could affect brain health.
The act of nose picking, while often viewed as a benign habit, can have serious implications. Dirty fingers can transfer bacteria into the nose, which may result in infections, crusting, tissue damage, and even nosebleeds. Scientists are now investigating whether trauma to the nasal lining can facilitate the transmission of germs to the brain, potentially triggering neuroinflammation and the formation of amyloid plaques. These plaques are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that currently affects over 7 million Americans.
Research has increasingly focused on the nose-brain connection, a direct pathway linking the nasal cavity to the central nervous system. This relationship has gained attention because the areas of the brain responsible for processing smells are among the first to be affected by Alzheimer’s. As a result, smell tests have emerged as a promising non-invasive method for assessing Alzheimer’s risk.
In a 2022 study conducted by Griffith University in Australia, researchers found that nose picking can facilitate the entry of Chlamydia pneumoniae, a bacterium associated with respiratory infections, into the olfactory nerve in mice. The bacteria can then travel to the brain, where they contribute to the deposit of amyloid beta protein. This process leads to the formation of sticky plaques that interfere with cell communication, ultimately resulting in memory loss and dementia.
“We’re the first to show that Chlamydia pneumoniae can go directly up the nose and into the brain, where it can set off pathologies that look like Alzheimer’s disease,” stated James St John, a neuroscientist involved in the study, which was published in Scientific Reports. The findings raise alarms about the implications for humans, suggesting that similar processes may occur.
A separate review published in March 2023 further supports the hypothesis that neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer’s might be partially driven by pathogens entering the brain through the olfactory system. Researchers suggest that these microorganisms could alter the bacterial composition in the nasal cavity, potentially leading to chronic low-level infections and neuroinflammation, which are connected to the development of Alzheimer’s.
In light of these findings, Betsy Grunch, a board-certified neurosurgeon, has advised the public to maintain proper nasal hygiene. She recommends refraining from picking the nose and plucking nasal hairs, as these actions can damage the nasal lining. For those who struggle with the habit, she suggests frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer to minimize risks.
As research continues to unveil the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease, understanding everyday habits and their potential health impacts remains crucial. Maintaining good nasal hygiene may be a simple yet effective way to protect brain health and mitigate risks associated with this debilitating condition.
