# Can Untreated Infections Lead to Dementia-Like Decline?
Infections that go untreated can trigger serious health complications that mimic or accelerate dementia-like symptoms, though the relationship between infections and dementia is complex and still being researched by scientists worldwide.
When infections persist without treatment, they create a cascade of problems in the body. Severe urinary tract infections, for example, can progress to sepsis if left untreated, a life-threatening condition that affects brain function and can cause confusion and cognitive decline that resembles dementia. Similarly, untreated dental infections allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing body-wide inflammation that affects how the brain processes information and manages overall health.
The connection between infections and dementia-like symptoms works through several mechanisms. Chronic infections trigger persistent inflammation throughout the body, which is a known risk factor for cognitive problems. When the immune system is constantly fighting infection, it becomes weakened and less able to protect the brain from damage. This weakened immune response is particularly concerning because as people age, their natural ability to fight off illness already decreases, making them more vulnerable to serious infections that can cause complications.
Herpes simplex virus type 1, a common infection many people carry, has been associated with neurodegeneration processes that can develop later in life. Research suggests that alpha herpesvirus infections may contribute to the biological changes that lead to dementia. When these viral infections go untreated, they can establish themselves in nerve tissue and potentially trigger the kind of brain damage seen in dementia patients.
Untreated infections also indirectly contribute to dementia-like decline by interfering with the management of other health conditions. People with dementia who have diabetes or high blood pressure may forget to take medications or attend medical appointments, allowing these conditions to worsen. Infections can complicate this situation further, making blood sugar control more difficult and increasing inflammation that damages blood vessels in the brain.
Pneumonia represents another serious pathway from infection to dementia-like symptoms. People with swallowing difficulties may accidentally inhale food or liquid into their lungs, creating an environment where pneumonia develops. This infection can cause severe illness and cognitive confusion that appears similar to dementia symptoms.
The immune system’s role cannot be overstated. As infections persist, they exhaust the immune system’s resources, leaving the brain more vulnerable to damage. The diseases that cause dementia actually make this immune weakening worse, creating a dangerous cycle where infection and neurodegeneration reinforce each other.
Early treatment of infections is therefore crucial for protecting brain health. Treating dental infections through root canal procedures, for instance, has been shown to improve blood sugar control, reduce inflammation markers, and lower the risk of serious health conditions. These improvements suggest that addressing infections promptly may help prevent the cognitive decline associated with dementia.
The key takeaway is that while untreated infections do not directly cause dementia in most cases, they create conditions in the body that accelerate cognitive decline and produce symptoms that closely resemble dementia. Maintaining good infection control through prompt treatment, proper hygiene, and regular medical care becomes increasingly important as people age, particularly for those already at risk for dementia or managing other chronic conditions.
Sources
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13872877251409323
