Exposure to Infections Deteriorates Brain Functions and Memory: Study

Exposure to common infections increases the risk of decline in memory and cognitive functions, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Miami in collaboration with the Columbia University examined the effects of exposure to common infections on brain and memory function. They conducted tests on brain function and took blood samples of 588 participants who were a part of the Northern Manhattan Study. Nearly, 70 percent of these participants were Hispanics.  The cognitive tests were repeated on nearly half of the participants after five years. The researchers found a link between exposure to infections and an increase in risk of developing strokes, clogging of arteries, atherosclerosis and inflammations.

Antibodies that are formed due to exposure to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, impact cognitive abilities like memory, speed of mental processing, reasoning, abstract thinking and planning.

This research was presented in the American Stroke Association's International Conference.

Clinton Wright, lead researcher and scientific director of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Miami said in a press statement, "We were very interested in what were the risk factors for cognitive performance and decline."

The study could not determine why these infections caused decline in brain's activities. Wright said, "It could be caused by an immune system response to the infections or the infection itself could result in clinical damage that we're not aware of. There is no evidence yet that treating these infections is beneficial."

Researchers say exposure to these viruses decades ago gradually impacts the areas of the brain related to cognitive functioning in later life.