The next time you don’t perform well on a exam or lose your cell phone, try blaming it on herpesvirus. Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health linked cognitive impairment throughout life HSV-1. They examined three age groups: 6-16 years, and 60 years or older using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey conducted from 1998 to 1994 on the health and nutrition status of civilian, noninstitutionalized people. The researchers study was aimed at determining whether HSV-1 and CMV infections early in life influenced cognition. To the study, 33,994 individuals provided informed consent and agreed to have blood samples drawn. The blood samples were then provided to laboratory technicians for testing for herpesvirus seropositivity. If results were near the positive cutoff value, samples were retested using an alternative method. If the two test results disagreed a third alternative testing was performed. Individuals with inconclusive results were excluded from the study. Their antibody test results are provided in Table 1. The results of the study determined that, among children, HSV-1 seropositivity was associated with lower reading and spatial reasoning test scores. Among middle aged adults (20-59 years), HSV-1 and CMV seropositivity was associated with impaired learning and recall attention (slower coding speed). Among older adults (> 60 years old), HSV-1 seropositivity was associated with immediate memory impairment. Overall results suggest that HSV-1 may have life course effects on cognition. CMV seropositivity is associated with slower recall and memory.
1. Studies have linked persistent HSV-1 and CMV infections to Alzheimer’s disease and Demetria. Perform a PubMED search to create a list of research reports that suggest a correlation between neurological disorders of aging and herpesvirus infections. Which herpesvirus were screened for each study? What neurological disorder was associated with viral infection?
2. Studies have linked persistent HSV-1 and CMV infections to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Perform a PubMED search to create a list of research reports suggest a correlation between neurological disorders of aging and herpesvirus infections. Which herpesvirus were screened for in each study? What neurological disorder was associated with viral infection?
