Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is known to play a role in the pathogenesis of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, this relationship is not fully elucidated. To determine the association of HSV infection with the development of dementia and AD, a study was conducted on 1,002 dementia-free 70-year-old individuals. About 82% of participants had anti-HSV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies; among them, 6% underwent anti-herpesvirus treatment. In the 15-year study, 7% and 4% of participants developed dementia and AD, respectively.
Anti-HSV IgG was associated with a two-fold increased dementia risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.26). Although anti-HSV IgG was not significantly associated with AD, the HR was the same magnitude as for dementia. Notably, anti-HSV treatment did not lower the risk of dementia or AD. Even though further research is needed, these findings suggest that…
