Caution: Frequent Sexual Activity Could Result in Brain Alterations and Dementia.
A recent study has brought to light troubling concerns regarding a rare yet significant risk associated with a prevalent sexual practice — the possibility of brain damage and dementia resulting from the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
HSV-1, the virus that causes oral herpes, is carried by nearly four billion people across the globe. While it usually results in cold sores, researchers have discovered a concerning pathway through which the virus can access the brain — via the nasal passage during oral sexual activity.
Professor Deepak Shukla from the University of Illinois Chicago, who spearheaded the research, indicated that HSV-1 particles can enter the nose if it comes into contact with the saliva or skin of an infected partner during oral sex. Once in the nasal cavity, the virus can move directly to the brain, raising the risk of encephalitis, brain damage, and possibly dementia.
The study, published in the journal *mBio*, also identified a crucial human enzyme, **heparanase (HPSE)**, which may render nasal HSV-1 infections particularly dangerous. While heparanase typically assists in clearing damaged cells, HSV-1 seems to exploit this enzyme to heighten inflammation in the brain.
“For the majority of individuals, HSV-1 results in occasional cold sores and is not life-threatening,” stated Professor Shukla. “However, if the infection progresses through the nasal route to the brain, it can escalate to a much more serious condition.”
To investigate this hypothesis, Shukla’s team experimented on mice by introducing HSV-1 into their nasal passages. Mice with normal heparanase levels exhibited severe symptoms, including nasal swelling, respiratory issues, and ultimately, death. Brain analyses indicated nerve damage, significant inflammation, and abnormal activity in regions associated with olfaction and viral entry.
Behavioral alterations were also observed, such as memory impairment, anxiety-like symptoms, and balance difficulties — all manifesting within six months post-infection.
Although herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is uncommon — affecting approximately two to four individuals per million — researchers suspect that cases of nasal HSV-1 are likely underreported. The virus might remain dormant in the brain and later contribute to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Shukla highlighted that the effects can vary considerably depending on an individual's immune system strength and the frequency of outbreak occurrences.
“Our findings act as a cautionary note,” he stated. “Unchecked herpes can lead to persistent behavioral issues, motor dysfunction, and coordination challenges. It’s crucial to comprehend how the virus operates and the potential severity it can reach under specific circumstances.”
Professor Deepak Shukla from the University of Illinois Chicago, who spearheaded the research, indicated that HSV-1 particles can enter the nose if it comes into contact with the saliva or skin of an infected partner during oral sex. Once in the nasal cavity, the virus can move directly to the brain, raising the risk of encephalitis, brain damage, and possibly dementia.
The study, published in the journal *mBio*, also identified a crucial human enzyme, **heparanase (HPSE)**, which may render nasal HSV-1 infections particularly dangerous. While heparanase typically assists in clearing damaged cells, HSV-1 seems to exploit this enzyme to heighten inflammation in the brain.
“For the majority of individuals, HSV-1 results in occasional cold sores and is not life-threatening,” stated Professor Shukla. “However, if the infection progresses through the nasal route to the brain, it can escalate to a much more serious condition.”
To investigate this hypothesis, Shukla’s team experimented on mice by introducing HSV-1 into their nasal passages. Mice with normal heparanase levels exhibited severe symptoms, including nasal swelling, respiratory issues, and ultimately, death. Brain analyses indicated nerve damage, significant inflammation, and abnormal activity in regions associated with olfaction and viral entry.
Behavioral alterations were also observed, such as memory impairment, anxiety-like symptoms, and balance difficulties — all manifesting within six months post-infection.
Although herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is uncommon — affecting approximately two to four individuals per million — researchers suspect that cases of nasal HSV-1 are likely underreported. The virus might remain dormant in the brain and later contribute to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Shukla highlighted that the effects can vary considerably depending on an individual's immune system strength and the frequency of outbreak occurrences.
“Our findings act as a cautionary note,” he stated. “Unchecked herpes can lead to persistent behavioral issues, motor dysfunction, and coordination challenges. It’s crucial to comprehend how the virus operates and the potential severity it can reach under specific circumstances.”
