Did you know that understanding the role viruses or viral infections play in exposing you to Alzheimer’s disease or gradual memory loss could help you keep a good memory as you age?
It could beat imagination when you see a man who, to you, does not look too old, yet displays a level of memory decline.
We are talking about someone who could easily forget some things you discussed few hours or days ago. This is a sign that that individual could be having Alzheimer’s disease.
This disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and language skills (1).
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a decline in cognitive function, especially in individuals aged 65 and older.
However, research is now highlighting new things that could dispose an individual to this disease.
Also, this could determine whether it starts earlier than 65 or not.
One of the benefits of this new finding is that it could help humans maintain a great life as they age.
Above all, it could help you keep the disease away.
In this article we will identify what this latest finding says and how you can guard against this disease, living your best life and avoiding the pitfalls.
Interestingly, research in recent years has increasingly suggested a stronger link between viral infections and Alzheimer’s disease than previously thought.
While Alzheimer’s has traditionally been seen as a disease of plaques, tangles, and genetics, new evidence points to viruses potentially playing a role in triggering or accelerating the condition.
Here’s a summary of what research says about viral infections and Alzheimer’s disease:
🧠 Key Research Findings Linking Viral Infections And Alzheimer’s Disease:
1. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1)
Several studies, including those from the UK and the US, have found that HSV-1 (the virus that causes cold sores) may lie dormant in the brain and reactivate later in life, contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s.
Researchers discovered that HSV-1 infection increases amyloid beta production — one of the proteins that forms plaques in Alzheimer’s brains (2).
Also, a 2018 study in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience showed HSV-1 DNA was more common in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients (3).
Most importantly, doing a few things we will recommend here will help keep the virus away. It will flush the virus from your system or at the very least keep them in a less harmful state. Keep reading.
2. COVID-19 And Cognitive Decline
You see, since the world battled CoOVID-19, things have not remained the same.
One of the Studies since the COVID-19 pandemic have found that SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) can lead to brain inflammation, damage to blood vessels, and long-term cognitive symptoms (“brain fog”) (4).
Some researchers suggest that severe viral infections like COVID-19 could increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or accelerate symptoms in those already vulnerable.
Furthermore, a 2022 study published in Nature Aging found COVID-19 survivors showed signs of brain shrinkage and memory impairment months after infection (5)
3. The Microbial Hypothesis
This theory proposes that bacteria and viruses may contribute to Alzheimer’s by entering the brain (via the nose or blood) and triggering chronic inflammation (6).
In response to infection, the brain produces amyloid-beta as a defense mechanism — but this can backfire and lead to Alzheimer’s pathology.
4. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) And Other Viruses
Some studies have also linked CMV and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) to increased Alzheimer’s risk.
These viruses may weaken the immune system or increase inflammation in a way that contributes to neurodegeneration.
Here, we see that even inflammation as a result of the presence of the virus could also play a role.
🧬 Genetics + Virus = Higher Risk?
People with the APOE-e4 gene (a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s) appear to be more vulnerable to damage from HSV-1, suggesting a gene-virus interaction may drive disease progression.
Natural Ways To Treat Viral Infections And Keep Viruses Away
Note: What we are recommending here can support the body’s immune system, but they are not a substitute for medical treatment in serious cases.
1. Rest And Hydration
Get plenty of sleep and drink warm water, herbal teas, and soups.
They help your immune system fight the virus faster.
2. Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Eat oranges, lemons, guava, bell peppers, and strawberries.
They boosts immune function and shorten the duration of infections.
3. Ginger And Garlic
While Ginger reduces inflammation and relieves sore throat, Garlic offers natural antiviral and antibacterial properties.
4. Honey And Lemon In Warm Water
These soothe sore throat and cough.
Honey has natural antimicrobial effects.
5. Steam Inhalation
Use hot water with eucalyptus or Gilead Balm oil or plain salt water.
This inhalation helps clear nasal passages and relieve congestion.
6. Herbs With Antiviral Properties
It is important that you add herbs with antiviral properties to your diet.
A herb like Neem, which is used in traditional medicine to fight infections, could treat viral infection.
Also Turmeric is another Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting super item you could add to your diet. Make a turmeric tea and enjoy in the morning.
Furthermore, Moringa is also helpful. It is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
7. Zinc Supplements or Foods Rich In Zinc
It is found in beans, nuts, seeds, and meat.
Zinc also supports immune response.
🛡️ How To Keep Viruses Away (Naturally)
Boost Your Immune System
- To boost your immune system, you need to eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Get at least 7–8 hours Of sleep daily
- Maintain Good Hygiene
Wash hands regularly with soap and water. - Avoid touching your face unnecessarily.
- Regular Exercise
Light daily workouts improve circulation and immune function. - Disinfect Common Surfaces
Use natural disinfectants like vinegar, lemon, or alcohol-based cleaners. - Stay Hydrated
Keeps your mucous membranes moist and better able to fight germs. - Sunshine and Fresh Air
Sunlight boosts Vitamin D, which is essential for immunity. Fresh air helps the body feel energised and reduces indoor virus buildup. - Use Natural Immune Boosters
Daily tea with ginger + turmeric + lemon + honey. - Echinacea and elderberry syrup (available in natural health stores) are known for virus-fighting abilities.
🔬 Takeaways
please, note that viral infections are not the only cause of Alzheimer’s, but emerging research shows they may be important environmental triggers or accelerators — especially in people who are genetically predisposed.
More clinical trials are now exploring antiviral therapies as potential treatments or prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s.
Gilead balm has been helpful to people who contracted viral infections that have to do with the lungs.
See How To Use Gilead Balm For Head Steam