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Whilst reading the Mail Online this week an article about cold sores grabbed my attention. If, like me, you suffer with cold sores, you may be suprised to know researchers have discovered you may have an increased risk of impaired memory and thinking skills if you suffer with cold sores. So now I have the perfect excuse for forgetting the simplist of things, sometimes minutes after they happened! Or is it that I’ve tuned out, particularly when children are keeping on at me!

cold sores (herpes simplex) virus and dementia link

Cold sores and dementia could be linked

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus is one of a number of infectious agents associated with reduced mental ability. Researchers tested the thinking skills and memory of nearly 1,700 people with an average age of 69 over an 8 year period. They discovered that those with higher levels of the infection in their blood-stream were 25% more likely to present a low score in standard mental function tests. The full findings appear in the latest issue of the journal Neurology.

Now, despite these findings, it would seem I do have the chance to redeem myself! Other research carried out by King’s College London found that regular exercise (which I do) four or more times each week could stave off the onset of dementia!!

For everything that’s bad for you there is something that is good for you so I will hold that thought knowing that that the potential effects of my cold sores are counter-balanced by my running skills!!

  

Deborah

Hi - I am Deborah, and was the founding director of talkhealth My blog is generally focused around my own personal story about weight loss, running, exercise and generally trying to get and stay fit, as well as what's been in the news that's topical. Any views expressed are my own.

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