A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (issue 97, 2024) entitled “Herpes Simplex Viral Infection Doubles the Risk of Dementia in a Contemporary Cohort of Older Adults: A Prospective Study” explored the possible link between HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus) and dementia, stating that a serum presentation of anti-HSV IgG is associated with a doubled risk of developing dementia. This study also looked at HSV-2 and CMV (cytomegalovirus) but found no link. Of the cohort of 1,002 Swedish people over the age of 70 without Alzheimer’s disease or dementia who were followed for 15 years, 4% developed AD and 7% (69) developed other dementias.
Lead author Erika Vestin pointed out that, although this study confirms results of prior studies, it is not yet sufficient to establish causality. The incidence of dementia is increasing worldwide and is currently affecting more than 55 million people. HSV-1, which results in cold sores and remains in the body for life, is prevalent in up to 80% of the population by retirement age, but the possible link between the two needs to be explored further, in order to glean enough evidence to assess causation. The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, can be viewed, here: https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad230718