Frequent flu linked to accelerated brain ageing, upping dementia risk

Early symptoms of dementia explained in NHS video

Studying ageing male mice, a team found that repeated, moderate inflammation caused by seasonal colds and flu led to impaired cognition. Scientists at Tulane University, New Orleans, conducted a mice model for their research project. Lead author, behavioural neuroscientist Elizabeth Engler-Chiurazzi, PhD, explained the rationale for the research.

“We were interested in asking whether differences in infection experience could account, at least in part, for the differences in rates of dementia we see in the population,” said Engler-Chiurazzi.

In partnership with West Virginia University and the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health, the researchers found an interesting finding.

“The mice we were studying were adults approaching middle age that had intact faculties,” said Engler-Chiurazzi.

“And, yet, when exposed to intermittent inflammation, they remembered less and their neurons functioned more poorly.”

The mice in the research “only experienced intermittent sickness-like inflammation a handful of times”, which is why the team were “surprised” by the outcomes.

“The effects were subtle,” said Engler-Chiurazzi. “But that’s why I find these results meaningful.”

The expert explained: “In a human, cognitive impairments from a similar number of inflammatory experiences might not be noticeable in their daily lives.

“But could have cumulative effects that negatively impact the ageing brain.”

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Engler-Chiurazzi stated: “The biggest takeaway from this research, in our opinion, is the importance of staying as healthy and infection-free as possible.”

The research could have significant implications for standard care in managing infections in the elderly.

Dementia risk factors

The Alzheimer’s Society charity notes there are “different types of risk factors for dementia”, including medical, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

“Everyone has a chance of developing dementia, but some people have a greater chance than others,” the charity clarifies.

People over the age of 75 naturally have a higher risk of developing the condition.

Additional risk factors include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Damaged blood vessels in the brain
  • A weaker immune system.

How to protect yourself from cold and flu

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says vaccination is the “best way” to reduce the risk of seasonal flu.

“Good health habits like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses,” the CDC notes.

The study was published in the journal Brain, Behaviour and Immunity.

People over the age of 75 naturally have a higher risk of developing the condition.

Additional risk factors include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Damaged blood vessels in the brain
  • A weaker immune system.
  • How to protect yourself from cold and flu

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says vaccination is the “best way” to reduce the risk of seasonal flu.

“Good health habits like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses,” the CDC notes.

The study was published in the journal Brain, Behaviour and Immunity.

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