Understanding Herpes and Dementia: The Numbers
Dementia affects more than 55 million people globally. Nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year. By 2030,experts predict this number will reach 78 million. The numbers are staggering. These statistics make any potential risk factor worth investigating. Oddly enough, something as universal as how we physically connect with others might be playing a role in this cognitive health puzzle.
Herpes is remarkably common. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 64% of people under age 50 globally have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, typically transmitted through oral contact like kissing. Meanwhile, about 13% of people aged 15-49 have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), usually transmitted through intimate physical contact. Both forms spread through everyday forms of human connection that most would consider normal parts of intimate relationships.
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