The study showed these risks could last up to 15 years after infection, with no evidence that any viral exposure protected against these diseases. Most viruses involved were neurotrophic, meaning they can cross into the brain. This highlights the importance of vaccines, as some viruses like influenza, shingles, and pneumonia have vaccines that reduce hospitalizations and might help lower the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
The research combined data from Finland and the UK and used a data-driven approach to uncover links between multiple viruses and brain diseases in one comprehensive analysis. While the study doesn’t prove viruses cause these diseases, it adds to growing evidence that viral infections and related brain inflammation are important, possibly preventable, risk factors for conditions with very few effective treatments.