Nose-picking is not an unusual habit. According to studies from 1995, around 91 percent of people pick their noses from time to time. But, this gross yet common habit might be dangerous, as a university professor recently revealed.
Picking your nose is linked to risks of Alzheimer's disease
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The head of the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia, Professor St John, shared a lesser-known reason why you should stop picking your nose for good.
Why you shouldn't pluck hairs from your nose
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In his TikTok video, the professor said:
"Picking your nose or plucking the hairs from your nose is probably not a good idea, particularly if you don't want to get Alzheimer's disease."
Nose lining damage
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He explained, "If you damage the nose lining, you can increase how many bacteria can go up into your brain."
Bacteria developing Alzheimer's disease
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St John then shared that research found that certain bacteria are linked to developing Alzheimer's.
From your nasal cavity to your brain
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The bacteria, called Chlamydia Pneumoniae, can get to your brain through the nerves of the nasal cavity, Griffith University researchers confirmed.
Pathway to Alzheimer's disease
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Once it is inside, in a matter of days, the brain cells deposit beta-amyloid peptide, creating a pathway to Alzheimer's disease.
Important defenders against bacteria
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Associate Professor Ekberg, who was part of the research team, explained that the cells are "important defenders against bacteria." Still, they can "help the bacteria to spread if they get infected."
Bacteria or virus
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The team suspected that bacteria or even a virus could be linked to Alzheimer's, and they were the first to prove it.
Genetic susceptibility
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However, "the bacteria alone may not be enough to cause disease in someone," Ekberg stated, adding that perhaps: "it requires the combination of a genetic susceptibility plus the bacteria to lead to Alzheimer's disease in the long term."
How quickly the bacteria travel to the brain
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Going back to Professor St John's video, he explained:
"Once the bacteria get into the olfactory nerve, it's only a short and very quick journey for them to get up into the brain where they can start causing these pathologies of Alzheimer's disease."
The study was developed over the years
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The study lasted for several years and required researchers to grow their own cells, infect them, and see the reactions.
Professor St John suggests smell tests for Alzheimer's
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Though one part of the study was concluded, Professor St John claims there is still a long way to go. He suggested that smell tests might be a good part of the screening process for the disease.
65 years old and above are at risk
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He then added: "Once you get over 65 years old, your risk factor goes right up, but we're looking at other causes because it's not just age. It is environmental exposure as well. And we think that bacteria and viruses are critical."
Why you should stop picking your nose from now on
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There are many reasons you should stop picking your nose.
No one is saying that the nasty habit of picking your nose will undoubtedly lead to Alzheimer's, but there is enough evidence for anyone to start working on breaking this habit.
Other reasons why it's dangerous
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Among other reasons why you should stop picking your nose are septum damage, nose bleeding, various infections, and nasal cavity damage.
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