Nose-picking is not a new habit to us, and even though we may perceive it as disgusting when we see others do it, we must admit that it is an action we unconsciously do sometimes.
Well, it looks like we do have something that can make us think twice the next time we feel like picking our nose because scientists are now seriously considering how the activity has a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. It is a progressive disease, meaning it would at first manifest as simple memory loss but eventually worsen to the point it impedes communication and conversation.
While nose-picking and the mentioned disease seem farfetched, you have to consider that we stick a finger up our nose—the very finger that may have acquired bacteria and viruses that can easily travel up our system.
Keep in mind that the olfactory system, located in the roof of the nasal cavity, has a direct connection to areas of the brain that could easily allow passage to Alzheimer ’s-causing factors.
According to the researchers who published the study, there are many factors leading to Alzheimer’s, and one of these is neuroinflammation, which plays a role in its pathogenesis. Nose-picking is one of those that could easily lead to brain inflammation. First of all, our fingertips get ushered towards the brain. Secondly, pulling out substances from our noses affects the microbiome balance, which means there is a less effective barrier to the body.
This isn’t actually something very new because previous studies have also shown the risk of nose-picking to getting infected by COVID-19. Another one in 2022 shows the effects of damage to the nasal epithelium (tissue lining the nasal cavity), which could increase infection risk in mice and is very similar to Alzheimer’s patients.
Another observation point considered is the fact that viruses are found among Alzheimer’s patients and that most early signs of the disease are seen occurring in the olfactory bulb, the area of the brain that allows our ability to smell.
Studies are still ongoing regarding the relationship between what goes on with our nose (and what we do with it) and the development of Alzheimer’s. However, with what has already been stated in the study, including the obvious fact that we can let bacteria and viruses in especially when we do not practice proper hygiene such as washing our hands.
What do you think of this discovery? Do you think that our noses are very much a gateway for Alzheimer’s and other diseases? Let us know your thoughts.