Introduction to Nose Picking and Alzheimer’s Disease

About 90% of the population picks their nose – sometimes several times a day. This may seem like a harmless habit, but frequent gold mining can have dire consequences. Dirty fingers can introduce bacteria into the nose and cause infections that can lead to crusting, tissue damage, and nosebleeds.

The Risks of Nose Picking

Researchers are studying the theory that trauma to the nasal lining can transfer germs to the brain, potentially triggering inflammation and the formation of amyloid plaques. These are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects over 7 million Americans. Scientists have not been able to determine exactly what causes Alzheimer’s disease, which gradually impairs memory, thinking, reasoning, and judgment.

The Nose-Brain Axis

Some researchers have turned their attention to the crucial nose-brain axis, a direct connection between the nasal cavity and the central nervous system. Because the brain’s olfactory processing centers are among the first areas to be damaged by Alzheimer’s disease, smell tests have become a non-invasive method for detecting Alzheimer’s risk. Maybe doctors should also ask their patients if they are constant nose pickers.

The Connection Between Nose Picking and Alzheimer’s

A study from 2022 found that nose picking can introduce Chlamydia pneumoniae, bacteria that can cause respiratory infections, into the olfactory nerve in the nose of mice. The bacteria can then travel to the brain. As a result, brain cells deposit amyloid beta protein. These fragments stick together and form sticky plaques that disrupt cell communication and cause brain cells to die, leading to memory loss and dementia.

Preventing the Risks of Nose Picking

Researchers theorized that these harmful microorganisms alter the bacterial composition in the nose, potentially leading to chronic brain infection, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer’s disease. To prevent damage to the nasal lining, good nasal hygiene is recommended. This means that you can’t pick boogers or hair out of your nose. If it’s a habit you’ve developed and just can’t break, washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer is recommended. When it comes to the health of your nose, you shouldn’t worry, but rather take preventive measures to avoid potential risks.