Herpes Simplex 1 linked to Alzheimers

[errantember]

It appears there is strong evidence that HSV-1 is a major contributor to Alzheimers.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081207134109.htm

This definitely complicates the safer-sex landscape, since HSV is both nearly impossible to avoid and was previously thought not to have any truly serious long-term effects. Other than being extra-careful with partners who are know to be HSV-positive, I don't think it's going to change my own behavior much. The finding itself may actually be good news, because it's likely to lead to a *lot* more funding being directed toward finding treatments and vaccines for HSV, since people are *way* more frightened of Alzheimer's.

It also raises questions for my father, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia recently (which is unrelated to Alzheimer's, except that it has similar symptoms) and who gets big, fat cold sores at least a few times a year.

Comments

makes me ponder...

[kiki39.livejournal.com]

It's an interesting article, but I'd hesitate to attribute cause and effect so neatly, since so many variables come into play with the human body and immune system. Why do some people fight off/suppress the virus better than others? Why do people who eat horrible fatty food live to 101? I try to take all of it with a large grain of salt, plus a dose of laughter, pleasure and happiness, since that's sure to keep my immune system purring...

I wonder if there are any studies on the direct correlation between how loved someone feels and their likelihood to develop Alzheimer's?

Re: makes me ponder...

[errantember.livejournal.com]

In this case there seems to be direct causal path. HSV-1 increases the production of a certain chemical that medicine has recently come to believe is the main cause of Alzheimers. It's not all 100% nailed down, but it's probably already a more direct link than, say, smoking and lung cancer.

Re: makes me ponder...

[errantember.livejournal.com]

I agree in general, though, that there are a lot of complex things happening, and that happier people are generally more healthy. There's quite a bit of research to support those generalizations.

[savanni.livejournal.com]

I will simply have to keep my immune system so strong that the little buggers can't ever do anything with me.

GARRR!

[errantember.livejournal.com]

L-lysine has a fairly strong medical background for helping to control outbreaks, and it's cheap.

http://www.herpes.com/Treatment.shtml

I use it for canker sores and when I bite myself, which I do probably monthly, and it seems to greatly speed healing of mouth-area problems. So far I'm negative for HSV, but it's very likely I won't be by the time they come up with a vaccine, despite my best efforts.

[savanni.livejournal.com]

I have never had a single cold sore outbreak, and I am seriously skittish about putting medical-grade chemicals into me without cause. To the point that I rarely even take painkillers unless I am in serious misery.

So, I have to rely on stress management and really good diet. Neither of which are my most... skillful skills.

[austingoddess.livejournal.com]

Wow. That's a significant finding.