Increased risk of dementia associated with herpes simplex virus infections: Evidence from a retrospective cohort study using U.S. electronic health records.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Alzheimer's disease is the most common age-related dementia. Recent compelling evidence from previous retrospective electronic health record (EHRs) studies suggests that herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections may be a risk factor for developing dementia. However, no age and propensity score matched studies have been published in a United States general population cohort study to date.

Objective

We aimed to identify whether HSV infection shows a significantly increased risk of the development of dementia in a sizable and heterogeneous cohort. We investigated whether herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2), or coinfections with both serotypes pose a greater risk of developing dementia across different biological sexes and racial groups.

SUBMITTER: Araya K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12231789 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature