The Surprising Link Between Nose Picking and Alzheimer’s Disease
It’s a habit most of us would rather not admit to, but studies show that approximately 90% of the population picks their nose, with many doing so multiple times daily. While this might seem like nothing more than a slightly embarrassing quirk, emerging research suggests this common habit could have serious health implications beyond just social awkwardness. What begins as a seemingly innocent act might actually open a direct pathway for harmful bacteria to reach our brains, potentially contributing to devastating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
The nose-brain connection is more significant than most people realize. Our nasal passages serve as a direct highway to the brain through what scientists call the nose-brain axis. This anatomical relationship is why smell-processing centers in the brain are among the first areas affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and why smell tests have become a valuable screening tool for detecting early signs of cognitive decline. The nose’s proximity to the brain creates vulnerability—when we introduce dirty fingers into our nostrils, we risk introducing harmful bacteria that can trigger inflammation and tissue damage. These minor traumas to the nasal lining may seem inconsequential, but they create entry points for pathogens that our body’s defenses would otherwise block.
Groundbreaking research from Griffith University in Australia has revealed alarming evidence about this connection. In a 2022 study published in Scientific Reports, researchers demonstrated how Chlamydia pneumoniae—bacteria commonly associated with respiratory infections—can travel from the nose directly to the brain via the olfactory nerve in mice. Once there, these bacteria triggered brain cells to deposit amyloid beta protein, creating the sticky plaques that are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. These plaques disrupt communication between brain cells and eventually lead to cell death, contributing to the memory loss and cognitive decline characteristic of dementia. As lead neuroscientist James St John ominously noted when the research was published, “The evidence is potentially scary for humans as well.”
Further supporting this connection, a 2023 scientific review suggested that Alzheimer’s-related neuroinflammation might be partially caused by pathogens entering the brain through the olfactory system. The researchers proposed that harmful microorganisms introduced through the nose can alter the natural bacterial balance in nasal passages, potentially leading to chronic low-level brain infection and inflammation. This research builds upon growing evidence that Alzheimer’s disease, which affects more than 7 million Americans, may have multiple contributing factors beyond genetics—including our everyday habits. While scientists have long struggled to identify the exact causes of Alzheimer’s, this research offers a compelling new direction that connects simple behavioral choices to long-term neurological health.
The implications of these findings extend beyond Alzheimer’s risk alone. Regular nose picking introduces bacteria that can cause immediate health issues, including infections, crusting, tissue damage, and nosebleeds. The repeated trauma to delicate nasal tissues creates ongoing inflammation and opportunities for bacterial colonization. Board-certified neurosurgeon Betsy Grunch recently addressed these concerns, recommending good nasal hygiene practices to protect the integrity of the nasal lining. This includes not only avoiding nose picking but also refraining from plucking nasal hairs, which can create similar tissue damage and bacterial entry points. These recommendations underscore how seemingly minor habits can have outsized health consequences when they involve sensitive areas like the nasal passages that have direct connections to our central nervous system.
For those who find it difficult to break this deeply ingrained habit, there are practical steps to minimize risk. Frequent hand washing and regular use of hand sanitizer become especially important if nose touching is unavoidable. Additionally, proper nasal care—including gentle blowing rather than picking, using saline sprays to maintain moisture, and addressing allergies that might cause nasal irritation—can help reduce the urge to pick while protecting nasal tissues. While researchers continue to investigate the full extent of the nose-brain connection in relation to neurodegenerative diseases, these simple preventative measures represent a prudent approach to protecting both nasal and neurological health. What once seemed like merely a socially unacceptable habit may warrant reconsideration as a potential health risk—particularly as we learn more about the surprisingly direct pathways between our everyday behaviors and brain health.
