- The more infections a person suffers, the bigger the damage to brain power
- Damage can occur after any infection, but is worse after brain infection
- Those hospitalised with 1 infection had IQ scoreof 1.76 lower than average
- Those with in hospital five times or more due to infections had an IQ score of 9.44 lower than the average
A simple infection in the body can have such a profound effect on the brain that a person's IQ can drop, new research claims.Danish researchers say the link is very real - and the more infections a person suffers, the bigger the damage to their brain power.This damage can last for 'many years', they warn. While the effect was seen after infections in any part of the body - for example, the stomach, urinary tract or skin - the most 'damage' was seen following infections in the brain.
Catching a simple infection can damage a person's IQ for several years, a study has found. And the more severe it is, the worse the damage
The researchers found that people who were hospitalised due to infection had an IQ score of 1.76 lower than the average.And those with five or more hospital contacts with infections had an IQ score of 9.44 lower than the average.The average IQ is said to be no higher than 115. The researchers say the study is the largest of its kind to date, and it shows 'a clear correlation' between infection levels and impaired mental abilities.And, unsurprisingly, the more severe the infection, the worse the damage, according to the study, published in the journal PLOS ONE.Explaining why this effect may occur, study author Dr Michael Eriksen Benrós, of the University of Copenhagen, said: 'Infections can affect the brain directly, but also through peripheral [surrounding] inflammation, which affects the brain and our mental capacity.
'Infections have previously been associated with both depression and schizophrenia, and it has also been proven to affect the cognitive ability of patients suffering from dementia.
'This is the first major study to suggest that infections can also affect the brain and the cognitive ability in healthy individuals.'
He added it may be the immune system that causes the mental impairment, not just the infection.
Normally, the brain is protected from the immune system, but with infections and inflammation, the brain may be affected.
Dr Eriksen Benrós added: 'We can see that the brain is affected by all types of infections.
'Therefore, it is important that more research is conducted into the mechanisms which lie behind the connection between a person's immune system and mental health.'
Researchers found that people who were hospitalised due to infection had an IQ score of 1.76 lower than the average. And those who'd suffered five serious infections had a score of 9.44 lower than the average