Early results link vasectomies to unusual dementia
Middle aged men who have had vasectomies are significantly more likely to develop an unusual form of dementia caused by brain deterioration, according to newly disclosed but limited research.
The findings, developed by researchers at Northwestern University and published in the journal Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, draw a connection between men in their 40s and 50s who develop early-onset dementia and having had vasectomy surgery. The indication is that the connection may be caused by a breach of the body’s natural blood/testis barrier that produces immune reaction.
The unusual form of dementia encountered is called Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), which targets the language center of the brain, causing victims to have trouble remembering and understanding words. PPA sufferers lose their ability to speak and understand what they are told, leading to general deterioration found in dementia overall.
The researchers believe the disease may be triggered in part by antibodies formed in the blood of men who have vasectomies because the natural barrier designed to keep blood-born pathogens away from semen is breached during surgery, and sperm can enter the blood system.
The next step will be a national study to determine whether the preliminary results will be consistent in a larger population.
