Digging for gold might be cause for more concern than just your hygiene habits.
While the impolite act of picking your nose has often just been linked to uncleanliness, a new study says it’s also linked to serious health issues — namely, a possible higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers behind the study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Biomolecules, state that the connection lies between external pathogens and the inflammation they can cause in the brain.
These external pathogens can be transferred from a person’s fingers to their nose when they pick it, giving the microorganisms a direct route from the olfactory system to the brain, the researchers explain.
This overgrowth of germs from the nasal cavity could cause unnoticed brain infections marked by inflammation, which activates the release of amyloid-beta proteins. These proteins can build up and clump together in the spaces between nerve cells, and this build-up is believed to be a crucial contributor to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, with at least 55 million people believed to have the disease globally as of 2022 — many of whom are above the age of 65, the researchers note.
The causes of the disease vary, but amyloid plaques and tangled bundles of fibers are some of the most common features in the brains of those with the disease. While age, genetics, and coexisting medical conditions are some of the risk factors that can’t always be changed, other factors like environment and lifestyle can potentially be improved to reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s.
However, the study doesn’t definitively state that nose picking — called rhinotillexomania in medical terms — is a leading cause of Alzheimer’s. It simply highlights the importance of noticing how germs are interacting with the immune system.
It’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with nose picking, as it could have a detrimental impact on brain health. We encourage individuals to cut the habit if possible. For those who struggle to do so, we suggest frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers as mandatory routine procedures, the researchers advise.
So while the connection between nose picking and Alzheimer’s disease may not be fully understood, taking preventive measures such as maintaining good hygiene habits and minimizing the transfer of external pathogens to the nasal cavity can still be beneficial.
In conclusion, researchers have found a possible link between nose picking and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. While the exact nature of this connection is still being studied, there is evidence to suggest that transferring external pathogens from the fingers to the nose can lead to inflammation in the brain, potentially contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s. It is important to be mindful of the potential risks and consider adopting better hygiene practices to minimize the likelihood of brain infections and subsequent neurodegenerative diseases.
