Traumatic Brain Injury and Herpes Reactivation: A Link to Neurodegeneration?

Could Concussions Trigger Alzheimer’s Disease? New Study Reveals Connection Between TBI, HSV-1, and Neurodegeneration

Feb 10, 2025

∙ Paid

A scientific visualization of a human brain affected by neurodegeneration, highlighting areas of inflammation and viral reactivation. The image should include a subtle overlay of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and Alzheimer’s-related markers like amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles. A futuristic and clean medical research aesthetic with a blue and purple neural glow, conveying an advanced lab setting.

Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not just have immediate effects—it could also reactivate latent herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in the brain, potentially triggering neurodegeneration and increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a new study suggests.

The Study: TBI, HSV-1, and Neurodegeneration

Using a three-dimensional (3D) human brain t…

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