Effects of COVID-19 on human cognition
COVID-19 appears to be a possible cause of Alzheimer’s-like dementia. New evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may have lasting effects on brain function, requiring the development of therapeutic strategies for cognitive impairment associated with COVID-19.
A new study led by researchers from the Cleveland Clinic (USA) has revealed significant interactions between Alzheimer’s disease and the COVID-19 virus, focusing on neuroinflammation and microvascular injury. The study was published in the English Language Journal.Alzheimer’s disease research and treatmentPosted.
COVID-19 is often accompanied by neurological symptoms
Reports of neurological complications in people with COVID-19, the so-called prolonged COVID, are becoming more common, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 could have lasting effects on brain function. The results of the new study now indicate an overlap between COVID-19 and Alzheimer Researchers report.
The study author, Dr. Feixiong Cheng of the Cleveland Clinic. However, identifying the link between COVID-19 and neurological problems will be critical to developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies “to deal with the sudden rise in neurocognitive impairment that we anticipate in the near future.”
What role do genetic factors play?
For the current study, experts used artificial intelligence using existing data sets from people with Alzheimer’s disease and COVID-19. They measured the proximity between SARS-CoV-2 host genes/proteins and those associated with multiple neurological diseases, with greater affinity indicating related or common disease pathways. The researchers also analyzed the genetic factors that enable SARS-CoV-2 to infect brain tissue and cells.
The relationship between COVID-19 and neuroinflammation
While little evidence has been found that the virus directly targets the brain, researchers have discovered close network relationships between the virus and the genes/proteins associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. As this is particularly true of Alzheimer’s disease, it has been suggested that COVID-19 can lead to Alzheimer’s-like dementia. To further investigate this matter, experts analyzed possible associations between COVID-19 and so-called neuroinflammation and brain microvascular damage, both hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study author, Dr. Cheng in one press release Cleveland Clinic Abbey.
According to Dr. Cheng notes that the virus can affect multiple genes or signaling pathways involved in neuroinflammation and damage to the brain’s microvasculature, causing Alzheimer’s-like cognitive impairment.
More likely to get COVID-19?
The research group also found that people with the highest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (APOE E4/E4 allele) had reduced expression of antiviral defense genes, which could make them more susceptible to COVID-19.
“Ultimately, we hope to pave the way for research that will lead to testable and measurable biomarkers that can identify patients at greatest risk of neurological complications from COVID-19,” he added. Cheng added. Researchers are currently working on using the latest network medicine and artificial intelligence technologies to identify usable biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for COVID-19-related neurological problems in people with long-term consequences of COVID-19. (Such as)
Author and source information
This text complies with the requirements of the specialized medical literature, clinical guidelines and current studies and has been examined by medical professionals.
swell:
- Yadi Zhou, Jielin Xu, Yuan Hou, James B. Leverenz, Asha Kallianpur et al: Network medicine links SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 infection to brain microvascular injury and neuroinflammation in dementia-like cognitive impairment, in Alzheimer’s Research and treatment (veröffentlicht 09.06.2021), Alzheimer’s disease research and treatment
- Cleveland Clinic: A Cleveland Clinic-led study determines the extent to which COVID-19 is associated with Alzheimer’s-like cognitive impairment (veröffentlicht 10.06.2021), Cleveland Clinic
important note:
This article is for general guidance only and is not intended to be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. It cannot replace a visit to the doctor.