Cold sores may be tied to memory loss

[Forever Sunshine]

Researchers have found that the virus that causes cold sores, along with other viral or bacterial infections, might be associated with memory loss, and if further studies establish such a link, it could eventually prove helpful in preventing strokes or Alzheimer’s disease.

A long-term study of a group of people in one neighborhood of New York City found that those with higher levels of infection in their blood -- meaning they had been exposed to various pathogens such as the herpes simplex type 1 virus that causes cold sores -- were more likely to have cognitive problems than people with lower levels of infection in the blood. The results, released Monday, are published in the March 26 issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/25/17459529-cold-sores-may-be-tied-to-memory-loss-study-suggests?lite

[Coldwarrior]

Perhaps the people with cold sores have a very active social life which does two things. One they catch more viruses and illnesses from other people. Two, they spend so much time at it that they don't have that much to remember. Nor do they care.

I hope this wasn't a government funded study. I'd hate to think my taxes paid for something this ridiculous.
But here's a tip. A cotton ball soaked with ethyl alcohol (whiskey or vodka will work) applied to the cold sore for a few hours as soon as it is felt, will kill it.
If middle aged and elderly people who don't exercise were to hyperventilate each day to a point of mild dizziness, the oxygen hitting their brain would stave off Alzheimer's for a long, long time, maybe forever.

[Deleted]

I found this very interesting. My Mum has Alzheimers. She used to get cold sores every winter. She had a stroke last year and now has that awful disease.

Who knows if it is rubbish or not but I found it interesting because of circumstances in my family.

[Forever Sunshine]

My Mother suffered with cold sores as well and in later years suffered with Dementia. There may be something to this.

[Deleted]

This is not at all an unreasonable study. The virus may attack the nervous system. The real question then is what to do about it?

[pod 7]

The wife gets cold sores---Never forgets a thing, and she has eyes in the back of her head, he he sorry to be flippant when your being serious

[Deleted]

That is quite ok pod 7. I remember when my Mum was like your wife but remember by Mum is 87 now.

The bottom line let's hope they find some answers for dementia and if cold sores are connected. It would be marvellous.

[beezkneez]

I hadn't had a cold sore in over 20 years, until the week after I first saw this thread...

[heart2heart]

Interesting info-

[mox]

I have NEVER had a cold sore in my life! I have had canker sores on rare occasions and I once heard that if you get one, you don't get the other. In my case, this is true.

[Deleted]

Like you I haven't either mox. Touch wood.