On October 29, a study published in the journal Scientific Reports by experts from Griffith University suggested that the habit of nose picking can cause infection of the olfactory nerve, leading to Alzheimer's disease.

The research results showed that bacteria called Chlamydia pneumoniae (a dangerous type of bacteria) can use the nerve that extends between the nasal cavity and the brain as a route to invade the central nervous system. Then, the cells in the brain react with a harmful process of accumulating amyloid beta protein, a protein that causes Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Scientists believe that the habit of nose picking can cause infection of the olfactory nerve, leading to Alzheimer's disease.

"We are the first to demonstrate that Chlamydia pneumoniae can go straight up the nose and into the brain, causing diseases such as Alzheimer's. The study, conducted on mice, provides evidence that this condition can occur in humans," said Professor James St John (Director of the Clem Jones Centre for Stem Cell and Neurobiology).

According to experts, the olfactory nerve in the nose is in direct contact with the air, providing a short path to the brain, passing through the blood-brain barrier. The virus uses this path to sniff and easily enter the brain. The team of experts has planned the next phase of the study, to demonstrate the risk of causing disease in humans. Professor John recommends that people should not pick their noses or pluck nose hairs, to avoid damaging the inside of the nose. According to him, peeling off the mucosal layer can increase the number of bacteria entering the brain.

Alzheimer's disease is the cause of dementia.

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disease that affects memory, thinking and behavior. This is not a normal aging disease or a neurological disease. The disease tends to get worse, causing negative effects to the patient's daily activities, memory, language and thinking.

With Alzheimer's disease, not only the patient but also the caregiver is affected. Caring for an Alzheimer's patient is often very difficult and many families or friends who help look after the patient have experienced extremely stressful emotions.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease and there is no cure, the goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life, limiting the negative impacts of the disease on life.