Alzheimer's link to cold sore bug

Scientists have discovered a link between the virus that causes cold sores and brain changes that occur with Alzheimer's disease. It is too early to say whether the virus causes the disease, but the researchers say it raises the possibility that standard anti-viral drugs could in future be used to treat the disease or prevent it from occurring.

The researchers have found that herpes simplex virus type 1 is found within so-called amyloid plaques in the brains of people who died of Alzheimer's, suggesting that it may have a role in causing the damage. According to the NHS, Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. It affects about 450,000 people. In over-65s, about one in 20 people are affected, rising to one in five over 80.