Research shows that people who experience a severe infection are more likely to develop dementia later in life. This is because such an infection places a prolonged burden on the body and promotes inflammation that is difficult to clear. This persistent inflammation can cause damage to brain cells, causing ageing and degeneration to occur more rapidly.
Our immune system is altered by a severe infection and functions less effectively thereafter. Moreover, it continues to maintain a mild inflammatory response, leaving the body in a state of chronic inflammation. This has negative consequences for many organs, including the brain. Dementia — a disease that progressively impairs brain functions — may consequently develop sooner or become more severe.
The findings are based on data from Finland, where large groups of people have been followed. The researchers took into account other factors that could also have an influence, so that the link between infections and dementia remains reliable. This highlights the importance of preventing and properly treating severe infections, especially among older people.
Chronic inflammation plays an important role in many diseases of ageing. By gaining insight into the link between infections and dementia, we can better understand how ageing processes are influenced. For anyone who wants to age healthily, it is therefore useful to take infections seriously and protect the immune system.
Source: Reason
