They claim the virus — often spread by kissing or sex — may lead to half of all cases.
Giving patients cheap, readily-available drugs used to treat the bug could slash their risk.
Herpes can lie dormant in the body for decades, and growing evidence suggests it may be a factor in the dementia epidemic.
Professor Ruth Itzhaki, of the University of Manchester, claims it may cause deposits in the brain like those seen in Alzheimer’s sufferers.
She said: “Senile dementia rates are much greater in those who are infected with herpes simplex virus-1.
“It could account for 50 per cent or more of Alzheimer’s cases.”
Most people in the UK are infected with herpes by the time they get old. But the virus is thought to be more dangerous in those who carry a genetic risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Other experts questioned the findings.
Professor John Hardy, of University College London, said: “None of the evidence is that convincing.”
And Alzheimer’s Society’s Dr James Pickett said: “This isn’t something we feel people should worry about.”
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
Barbara Windsor talks about Alzheimer's for the first time as she calls for people to run the 2019 London Marathon for the Dementia Revolution
Source: Read Full Article