Sometimes you have a bat in the cave and you just want it out. Blowing your nose doesn’t do the trick, so you go for it with your fingers. According to a new study published in scientific journal Biomolecules, you need to cut that out. It found that picking your nose could increase your chances of developing Alzheimer's disease.
The reason behind this is your fingers are most likely dirty. We use our hands all the time and they are hard to keep clean. The brain defends itself against these germs, which causes other issues.
Beta-amyloid, a protein, is believed to be the cause of progressive dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. This new study found that beta-amyloid is produced by the brain as a defense mechanism.
The brain produces beta-amyloid to fight against pathogens in the nasal cavity. By picking your nose, you are introducing even more, which could cause the brain to bulk up its defenses. The writers of the study hypothesized that “neuroinflammation in [Alzheimer’s disease] might be partially caused by pathogens entering the brain through the olfactory system.”
More from LittleThings: 9 Things You Should Never, Ever Do To Your Nose
Beta-amyloid might not be all bad. “There is even some evidence to suggest that [beta-amyloid] may have antibacterial properties as a defense mechanism against microbial infections in the brain,” the report stated. Infections can also cause dementia, so it is natural the brain would want to protect itself.
“These pathogens are known to establish persistent, latent, or chronic infections in peripheral tissues, including the nasal epithelium, where they may persist for extended periods without causing overt symptoms, until they enter the brain with pathological consequences,” the study went on to say. "The olfactory system represents a plausible route for pathogen entry, given its direct anatomical connection to the brain and its involvement in the early stages of AD.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, 6.5 million people after the age of 65 have the devastating degenerative disease. According to the National Institute on Aging, lifestyle factors can contribute to the cause of the disease. It is a natural conclusion then that picking one's nose isn’t worth it.
“It is essential to note that the temporary relief obtained from nose picking is not a substitute for proper nasal hygiene, which involves regular cleaning and maintenance of the nasal passages through gentle methods such as saline nasal rinses or blowing the nose,” the report urged. “One of the lessons learned from COVID-19 is the value of hand hygiene through frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers, and we suggest these routine hygienic procedures be mandatory routine procedures for the incurable nose-picker.”
*Disclaimer: The advice on LittleThings.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
