Alzheimer's disease may be linked to picking your nose, researchers warn

06 February 2024 , 09:16

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An Australian study suggests that picking your nose allows dangerous bacteria to enter the brain (Image: Getty Images)

People are being warned that a common bad habit could potentially lead to dementia.

A recent study has suggested that nose pickers could be more at risk of allowing dangerous bacteria to reach the brain - potentially causing the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Nose picking is never a pretty sight but some of us can't resist picking our bogies now and again. Now, medical researchers have discovered it could be badly impacting our health.

Australian researchers have found that external pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses, may enter the brain through the nose when someone goes up their nostril for a pick or prod, reports the Express. The study suggests that harmful pathogens entering the nose could then lead to inflammation and increase a nose picker's risk of dementia.

Once inflammation begins, beta-amyloid - a key feature in the brains of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's - may be produced in the brain as a defence mechanism. The amyloid protein can build up and affect healthy brain cells.

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The researchers said: "Neuroinflammation in AD [Alzheimer's disease] might be partially caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens entering the brain through the nose and the olfactory system."

There are many different causes and many types of dementia. The NHS says: "It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia."

Research shows there are more than 944,000 people in the UK who have the disease with one in 11 people over the age of 65 suffering from it. The number of people with dementia is increasing because we are living longer and it is estimated that by 2030, the number of with it in the UK will be more than one million. While there is no cure for dementia there are treatments to delay its impact and support available to ease symptoms.

Lesser known signs such as taking a nap or struggling to park your car may all indicate something is not quite right.

Chronic nose picking - also known as rhinotillexomania - is believed to enhance the transfer of harmful microorganisms from a person's hand into their nose. The act of nose picking can alter the nasal microbiome to a potential harmful area. Once there, it can contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases - such as Alzheimer's.

The nasal microbiome must be looked after as it plays an essential role in our overall health. Study researchers say that ensuring hand hygiene is prioritised, including carrying out frequent hand washing and using hand sanitizers, are essential for those who pick their nose.

The Western Sydney University team behind hundreds of studies said: "Among all the entry routes, the improvement of hand hygiene might be an easy prevention step. We suggest these routine hygienic procedures be mandatory routine procedures for the incurable nose-picker."

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Lucy Marshall