A recent study from Uppsala University in Sweden suggests that individuals with herpes may face twice the risk of developing dementia later in life compared to those without the virus.
Widespread Infection
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.8 billion people under 50 worldwide have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the primary cause of oral herpes or cold sores. Additionally, around 520 million people aged 15 to 49 are infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the leading cause of genital herpes.
“Most people with herpes experience no or mild symptoms, often unaware they carry the virus and can transmit it to others,” WHO explains. The virus spreads through intimate contact, including kissing and sexual activity.
Herpes and Brain Health
While herpes is primarily associated with skin sores, emerging research suggests it could have deeper effects—potentially influencing brain health decades later.
To investigate this, Uppsala University researchers conducted a 15-year study tracking 1,000 seniors to monitor cognitive changes over time. Their findings align with previous research hinting at a potential link between herpes and dementia.
Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, scientists suspect that recurring viral reactivations may contribute to chronic brain inflammation—a known factor in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
The Growing Dementia Crisis
The Alzheimer’s Association describes dementia as a decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to impair daily life, affecting memory, behavior, and relationships.
Dementia, an umbrella term for multiple brain disorders, affects over 55 million people globally, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year, according to WHO. By 2030, experts project that number will rise to 78 million.
Given these alarming statistics, researchers are investigating all possible risk factors—including infections like herpes, which spread through natural human interactions.
How Herpes May Impact the Brain
Dementia occurs when brain cell damage disrupts communication, leading to memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline. Different types of dementia target specific brain regions, with Alzheimer’s primarily affecting the hippocampus, the center of memory and learning.
The concern with herpes is that it doesn’t remain confined to the skin. Once inside the body, the virus travels along nerve pathways, lying dormant in the nervous system. HSV-1, the oral form of herpes, is now under increased scrutiny due to its potential association with dementia. Some researchers believe that recurring viral reactivations may trigger long-term brain inflammation, increasing the risk of cognitive decline.
“We still don’t fully understand whether herpes directly causes dementia or if there’s an indirect link,” said Erika Vestin, lead author of the study.
Should You Be Concerned?
Having herpes does not mean you are destined to develop dementia. Experts caution against unnecessary alarm, emphasizing that while herpes is extremely common, dementia rates remain significantly lower.
Other well-established dementia risk factors—such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and physical inactivity—play a much larger role in long-term cognitive health.
Although these findings are compelling, more clinical trials are needed to confirm a definitive link between herpes and dementia.
Reducing Risk
While researchers continue to explore the connection, WHO recommends simple steps to reduce the spread of herpes:
Discuss herpes status with partners.
Avoid sexual activity during outbreaks and use protection.
Refrain from sharing items that come into contact with saliva.
Though many questions remain unanswered, this study highlights the complex ways in which infections may influence long-term brain health.
What do you think about these findings? Share your thoughts and spread the word!
