Study Links Head Injuries to Alzheimer's Risk

Recent studies from Tufts University and Oxford University suggest that repeated head injuries, such as those sustained in sports, may activate dormant herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in the brain, potentially triggering Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The research indicates that even mild brain trauma can lead to harmful changes, including inflammation and the build-up of amyloid plaques and tau proteins, which are characteristic of Alzheimer's. These findings were based on experiments using lab-grown brain tissue models, where impacts mimicking concussions reactivated HSV-1, resulting in significant cellular damage. Experts highlight the need for further investigation to establish a definitive link between head injuries, viral reactivation, and neurodegenerative diseases, but the research opens new avenues for potential treatments, including antiviral drugs. With growing awareness of the risks associated with head injuries, particularly in contact sports, calls for improved protective measures are intensifying. The findings were published in the journal Science Signaling.