Recent research highlights the concerning link between the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), typically associated with cold sores, and significant, long-term neurological problems. The study indicates that when HSV-1 enters through the nasal cavity, it can travel directly to the brain, leading to persistent issues such as anxiety and impaired cognitive function, observed in animal experiments. A key discovery is the role of the cellular enzyme heparanase in facilitating this neurological damage; blocking its activity reduced negative outcomes. Given that a substantial portion of the global population carries HSV-1, these findings underscore the potential widespread impact and the need for preventative and therapeutic strategies targeting this common virus and the identified enzyme.

https://neurosciencenews.com/herpes-virus-neurology-28488/