Cold sores could lead to cognitive problems
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013 11:01 AM

Not only are cold sores unappealing to the eye, but the virus that causes them can also affect important organs, such as the liver and lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Based on new research, which appears in the American Academy of Neurology journal "Neurology," the virus may also lead to cognitive problems in those who have it.

According to a study by researchers from the Columbia University Medical Center and the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, the virus that causes cold sores could be associated with memory problems. The researchers arrived at these findings after testing the thinking and memory skills of 1,625 individuals.

Study subjects who had higher levels of the cold sore-causing infection were 25 percent more likely to receive a low score on a test designed to assess their cognitive abilities.

"While this association needs to be further studied, the results could lead to ways to identify people at risk of cognitive impairment and eventually lower that risk," said Mira Katan, who served as the study's author. "For example, exercise and childhood vaccinations against viruses could decrease the risk for memory problems later in life."

With this research in mind, individuals who get the occasional cold sore may want to consider taking an IQ test to see if there have been any changes to their cognitive abilities.