While the root causes of cognitive decline and dementia remain unclear, recent research is uncovering new clues. One major suspect? Brain inflammation—also known as neuroinflammation—now increasingly linked to memory loss and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
New studies suggest that infections may play a significant role in triggering this inflammation. In particular, researchers have found connections between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Alzheimer’s.
Can a Simple Cold Sore Increase Your Dementia Risk?
A growing body of evidence suggests that the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), responsible for cold sores, may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
A study published in Cell Reports (January 2025) detected HSV-1-related proteins in human brain tissue, hinting at a potential role in cognitive decline. Lead researcher Dr. Or Shemesh from the University of Pittsburgh explained that the presence of these proteins suggests a direct link between HSV-1 and brain degeneration.
Another study, published in mBio (February 2025), used animal models to show how the herpes virus can enter the brain via nasal exposure, causing persistent cognitive impairment and anxiety in mice. The findings suggest that HSV-1 could be more dangerous than previously believed, possibly leading to long-term neurological damage in humans.
“If an infected individual is shedding the virus through tears, it could reach the nasal cavity and travel directly to the brain,” explained study author Dr. Deepak Shukla from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. “We believe the neurological consequences are much more severe than what we typically associate with cold sores.”
Could Vaccines, Antibiotics, and Antivirals Protect Against Dementia?
If infections contribute to cognitive decline, could medical treatments help reduce the risk? A recent review of 14 studies, covering over 130 million people, suggests the answer might be yes.
Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions (January 2025), the review found that vaccines, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were linked to a lower risk of dementia. Researchers believe that these treatments may help control harmful infections and reduce brain inflammation.
Dr. Ben Underwood, a psychiatrist from the University of Cambridge and one of the study’s authors, emphasized the urgency of finding treatments:
“We urgently need new ways to slow the progression of dementia, or even prevent it entirely. If existing drugs can help, we should fast-track clinical trials to make them available to patients sooner.”
However, co-author Dr. Ilianna Lourida from the University of Exeter warned against self-medicating:
“It’s important to remember that all drugs have both benefits and risks. Never change your medication without consulting your doctor.”
Long-Term Use of NSAIDs May Lower Dementia Risk
Adding to the evidence, a new study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (March 2025) found that people who took NSAIDs—such as ibuprofen and aspirin—for over two years had a lower risk of developing dementia.
Interestingly, while some NSAIDs are known to reduce beta-amyloid buildup (a protein linked to Alzheimer’s), the study found that even aspirin—an NSAID without beta-amyloid-lowering properties—was associated with a reduced dementia risk.
What’s Next for Dementia Prevention?
These findings highlight the complex relationship between infections, brain inflammation, and cognitive decline. Scientists are now calling for further research to determine how vaccines, antiviral drugs, and anti-inflammatory medications might be used to protect long-term brain health.
With no cure yet for Alzheimer’s, understanding and preventing cognitive decline remains a top priority for researchers worldwide. The latest studies suggest that everyday medical treatments may hold the key to reducing dementia risk—offering hope for millions at risk of this devastating disease.
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