The seemingly innocuous act of ‘nose picking,’ whether done casually in private or caught in public, may pose significant health risks, including potential links to Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study published in the journal Biomolecules.
Researchers from Australia highlighted that nose picking can introduce external pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, into the nasal cavity.
This action, performed by approximately 91% of Americans, according to the study, could facilitate the transmission of harmful microorganisms to the brain, potentially leading to inflammation.
Inflammation triggered by these pathogens has been associated with the accumulation of amyloid beta proteins in the brain, a defining characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study emphasizes that chronic nose picking, termed rhinotillexomania in scientific literature, may disrupt the nasal microbiome’s balance.
This microbiome, consisting of beneficial bacteria, normally serves to protect against infections.
The researchers pointed out that the olfactory system, which includes nerves and the olfactory bulb responsible for the sense of smell, can serve as a pathway for pathogens introduced into the nasal cavity via hand contact.
Once inside the brain, these pathogens can induce inflammation, potentially contributing to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Drawing parallels with lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers advocate for improved hand hygiene practices to mitigate the risk posed by nose picking.
They suggest that routine measures like frequent hand washing and the use of sanitizers could help prevent the transfer of harmful microorganisms from hands to nose.
Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia globally, affects an estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older.
While its exact origins are still under investigation, scientists believe that the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain contribute to its progression.
Studies cited in the research review underscored specific pathogens implicated in Alzheimer’s, including the herpes simplex virus, Chlamydia pneumoniae bacteria, Candida albicans fungi, and others.
Notably, experiments infecting mice with Chlamydia pneumoniae through nasal routes showed subsequent amyloid plaque formations, linking pathogen presence to disease progression.
The study concludes by highlighting the broader implications of nose picking beyond dementia risk, noting its potential to introduce harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause severe infections.
It emphasizes the need for further research and public awareness to address these health risks associated with a common yet often overlooked habit.
The comprehensive review, funded by a substantial private donation to Western Sydney University, was re-published by the US National Institutes of Health, underscoring its significance in public health research.
