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Published: April 18, 2025
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What Gene Hackman’s death can teach us about brain health
When news broke recently about the death of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, the headlines were striking. Not just because of who they were, but because of how they died.
Hackman’s wife reportedly died of hantavirus, a rare infection found mostly in the desert Southwest of the U.S.. Hackman himself died about a week later, with reports citing complications from heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
But what really caught my attention — as someone who’s worked in infectious disease control for decades — is how these both deaths may have been caused by an infection.
Can Infections Trigger Alzheimer’s?
We usually think of Alzheimer’s as a disease of aging, genetics, and bad luck. But over the past few years, scientists have uncovered growing evidence that infections, especially viral infections, may play a role in triggering or accelerating dementia.
Certain viruses, like herpes simplex (the one that causes cold sores) or varicella zoster (which causes shingles), can linger in the body for years. When reactivated, they may spark inflammation in the brain. That chronic inflammation could damage neurons, interfere with brain function, and set the stage for Alzheimer’s.
And it’s not just viruses. Even bacteria that cause gum disease have been implicated.
What Does This Mean for the Rest of Us?
The story of Gene Hackman’s death is tragic. But it’s also a reminder of how infectious diseases can shape our health in ways we don’t always see.
Preventing infections and reducing the infectious dose we’re exposed to— by staying up to date on vaccines, practicing good hygiene, and taking care of chronic conditions — is not just about avoiding short-term illness. It may also be part of protecting long-term brain health.
That’s a connection I think we will be hearing a lot more about in the years to come.
