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| - Last Updated on November 5, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that nose-picking can increase the chances of Alzheimer’s and dementia. We did the fact check to term this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
An Instagram video suggests that putting a finger in your nose can raise your chances of Alzheimer’s and dementia. This is said in English, and in Hindi, the person claims it will cause you to lose your sense of smell and experience memory loss (which is essentially a misinterpretation of his own claim). It explains that viruses from fingers can travel to the brain through the nasal opening.
Fact Check
Can nose-picking lead to Alzheimer’s or dementia?
No, there is no evidence to support the claim that nose-picking increases the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia. The idea connecting nose-picking to Alzheimer’s disease is based on the notion that germs can enter the nose, but most of this evidence is theoretical, with no studies on humans. A 2023 review (mentioned in the post) examined how bacteria and viruses might cause brain inflammation after entering through the nose. When you pick your nose, germs from your fingers can reach the olfactory system, which is connected to the brain and helps process smells. Although the nose has its own healthy bacteria, harmful germs can invade and take over, which is likely to result in chronic infections. This long-term inflammation may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s risk factors, like amyloid-beta peptides and tau proteins.
A 2022 study on mice showed that Chlamydia pneumoniae (a bacteria) can cross the blood-brain barrier. This can cause long-term brain inflammation that may increase Alzheimer’s risk.
In short, Alzheimer’s disease may partly result from brain inflammation caused by germs entering through the nose. Pathogens might reach the brain through smell pathways, and better hand hygiene could help prevent this risk. But, this is only a theory as of now.
Overall, Alzheimer’s and dementia are complex conditions influenced by various factors, including genetics, age, lifestyle, and overall health. Current scientific research does not identify nose-picking as a risk factor for these diseases.
We connected with Dr Vivek Barun, Senior Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, to get his expert opinion on nose-picking and Alzheimer’s risk. He says, “Nose-picking might seem harmless, but it can allow harmful germs to enter your body, leading to potential health issues. Recent studies suggest that certain bacteria can reach the brain and contribute to inflammation. Remember, Alzheimer’s is a complex disease which depends on many factors and we cannot just pin-point one. As of now, nose-picking is not a risk factor for Alzheimer’s. But it is still advisable to maintain hand hygiene while cleaning your nose. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your risk for neurological conditions.”
We also got valuable insights from Dr Varun Kodam, Consultant Neurologist, TX Hospitals, Banjara Hills. He explains, “Rhinotillexomania, also known as nose-picking, is a widespread, unhealthy habit that has the potential to cause various kinds of infections. Alzheimer’s disease is a common type of dementia, resulting from a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Currently, there is very little evidence suggesting that patients with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease had a habit of nose-picking. This might just be an association, and many other, unstudied factors could be responsible for Alzheimer’s disease in those patients. Whatever the reason, it is always better to avoid nose-picking and lean towards a healthier lifestyle.”
How does the nose relate to brain health?
Although the nose is linked to the brain through pathways that process smells, simply inserting a finger does not expose the brain to germs in a way that could cause cognitive decline. Nose-picking can introduce viruses and bacteria or irritants into the nasal passages, but it does not directly cause neurodegenerative diseases.
The study found that Chlamydia pneumoniae bacteria can travel from the nose to the brain in mice, creating clusters associated with Alzheimer’s. Most importantly, this research was only conducted on mice, and the risk in humans remains unproven and inconclusive. There have been claims of Aluminium being one of the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease. But, even this claim is incorrect.
Can nasal infections impact brain function?
Serious infections can enter the brain through the nasal passages, but they are generally not due to nose-picking. For example, meningitis can happen due to infections, but it is not related to picking your nose. Additionally, common viruses like the cold do not have long-term effects on brain health in healthy people.
Is there a connection between smell loss and dementia?
Research indicates that a decline in the sense of smell can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. However, this loss is usually due to neurological changes rather than physical irritation from nose-picking. Therefore, while loss of smell may have a connection with dementia, it does not mean that nose-picking can definitively cause memory loss or cognitive decline.
What about hygiene and brain health?
Maintaining good nasal hygiene is important. If someone does engage in nose-picking, it’s vital to do so with clean hands to avoid introducing harmful bacteria or irritants into the nasal passages. Also, chronic nose-picking can cause one nostril to become narrowed or blocked. The focus should be on overall hygiene practices rather than the fear of developing Alzheimer’s through this action.
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician, Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, says, “Good hygiene plays a crucial role in overall health, including brain health. Keeping your hands clean and avoiding habits like nose-picking can reduce your risk of infections that may affect the brain. While hygiene alone won’t prevent neurological diseases, it forms a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. Always prioritise cleanliness to support your well-being.”
What can individuals do to protect their brain health?
To promote brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, individuals should engage in a variety of healthy lifestyle choices. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, mental challenges like puzzles or learning new skills, and maintaining social connections are all beneficial. Managing cardiovascular health is also important for reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
In conclusion, the claim that nose-picking can increase Alzheimer’s risk is mostly false. However, it is still important to maintain hygiene while cleaning your nose to avoid the transfer of germs.
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