A new study suggests that viral infections not only affect one's immunity system but also the mental performance.
Researchers from the University of Miami Health Systems led by Clinton Wright found out that exposure to five common viral strains-- herpes simplex 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, Helicobacter pylori, and Chlamydia pneumonia-reduced the language skills among adults age 55 and above. Evidence of these viruses found in participants is also linked to the decline of mental performance recorded for the past five years.
The team recruited 588 adults with an average age of 71. These participants underwent a mental assessment before the study began. From the original sample size, it was reduced to 287 who underwent a follow-up assessment after five years.
"We have a cross-sectional association and a hint of something longitudinal but it wasn't quite significant, and that might mean that we need longer follow-up or that there's no association with decline," Wright said to MedPage Today.
The results of the study failed to convince experts who questioned the relationship of viral infection and poor mental performance. According to vice-chair of neurology from the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and American Stroke Association spokesperson Lee Schwamm, the period over which the mental performance decline was observed is too short to establish a connection between exposure to the virus strains and poorer mental performance.
However, Schwamm told MedPage Today that the study is "..another piece of evidence to the story that chronic infectious burden is a bad thing".
The study's findings are not enough to establish the connection of the viral infection and the mental performance of the participants but the researchers expressed that they will continue their study to gather more substantial evidence.
"If we get to the point where enough studies have shown this connection, it may be time to consider a treatment trial. But that's a long way in future.", Wright said to MedPage Today.
Findings of this study was presented at the International Stroke Conference held at the San Diego Convention Center.