New research highlights the potential impact of viral infections and over-the-counter medications on the risk of developing dementia. This article was created by MNT and features photography by alvaro gonzalez/Getty Images, Guido Mieth/Getty Images, Tatjana Zlatkovic/Stocksy, and Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images. Originally published on Medical News Today.
Researchers have identified various risk factors and causes that may contribute to cognitive decline, which can be an early sign of dementia. Brain inflammation is a significant factor in this decline, and recent studies are investigating potential triggers for this inflammation as well as ways to prevent or treat cognitive decline.
Some studies have shown a connection between Alzheimer’s disease and herpes viruses, specifically the virus responsible for cold sores. Additionally, research suggests that the use of vaccines, antibiotics, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin may lower the risk of dementia.
While the exact causes of cognitive decline and dementia are still uncertain, researchers have made progress in identifying potential contributing factors. Inflammation, particularly brain inflammation or neuroinflammation, has been linked to cognitive impairment and the development of dementia.
There is a growing body of evidence linking viral infections to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies have suggested that the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores, may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
A study published in Cell Reports in January 2025 found HSV-1 related proteins in postmortem human brain samples, indicating a possible link between the virus and cognitive decline. Another study published in mBio in February 2025 showed how HSV-1 can enter the brain and cause cognitive impairment in animal models.
Lead author Deepak Shukla explained that infected individuals shedding the virus through tears could potentially transmit it to the brain via the nasal cavity, leading to cognitive issues. This underlines the need for further research and understanding of the connection between viral infections and cognitive health.
The neurological consequences are believed to be more severe than those typically seen with fever blisters or ocular infections. Vaccines, antibiotics, and antivirals may help protect brain health. Research suggests that viruses like HSV-1 and other pathogens could increase the risk of cognitive decline. Recent evidence indicates that vaccines, antiviral drugs, and antibiotics might play a protective role in brain health. A review published in January 2025 in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions analyzed data from 14 studies involving over 130 million people and found that antimicrobial medication, vaccines, and NSAIDs were associated with a reduced dementia risk.
One of the review authors, Ben Underwood, emphasized the urgent need for new treatments to slow down or prevent dementia progression. Co-author Ilianna Lourida advised against changing medication without consulting a physician. Additionally, a study published in March 2025 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed that long-term use of certain NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin was linked to a lower risk of dementia. While some NSAIDs can help reduce beta-amyloid levels in the brain (linked to dementia), others like aspirin, which do not affect beta-amyloid, were associated with a greater decrease in dementia risk. Sports neurologist Vernon Williams noted that the mechanism of action of NSAIDs in reducing dementia risk may not be solely related to amyloid reduction.
“Inflammatory pathways and genetic risk factors may be playing a role in the benefits observed. Nevertheless, Williams, along with other experts, advises against making changes to medication without proper medical oversight, as there are possible side effects and risks linked to NSAIDs currently in use.”For more information, please refer to the original article on Medical News Today.
