Alzheimer’s Linked to COVID-19 and Other Common Viral Infections
Many factors increase brain disease risk, but infection with common viruses could be the most insidious.
Besides aging, viral infections are also factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. COVID-19 has increasingly been linked to cognitive decline, a connection that appears to be confirmed by a new review of neurological symptoms connected to the condition.
According to researchers, the viral infection significantly adds to the risk of dementia in older people. In effect, Alzheimer’s and COVID appear to work together to damage our brains.
Alzheimer’s Diagnoses May Surge Post-COVID
COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s share inflammatory features and risk factors, according to the review. Inflammation may contribute to Alzheimer’s onset and pathology. With COVID-19’s global reach and extensive neurological impact, experts fear it may act as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s or worsen existing pathology. If COVID-19 increases Alzheimer’s risk, the combined effects of these devastating diseases could have major public health consequences worldwide.
Past research links viral infections to degenerative brain disease.
“The factors that play into the development of Alzheimer’s disease have been poorly understood, but two pieces considered important are prior infections, especially viral infections, and inflammation,” Dr. Pamela Davis, distinguished professor at Case Western Reserve University and study co-author, said in a press statement.
Related Stories
10/27/2023
10/25/2023
A sustained rise in Alzheimer’s diagnoses after COVID-19 could substantially strain long-term care resources, she added.
Other Viruses Linked to Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s
Hospitalizations resulting from pneumonia-causing flu viruses were linked to diagnoses of several neurological disorders, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) up to 15 years after diagnosis, a National Institutes of Health study published in April found.
The largest association was between viral encephalitis and Alzheimer’s.
Researchers also discovered that shingles can reactivate the virus and cause Alzheimer’s-like amyloid buildup.
Viral Infection Worsens Key Sign of Alzheimer’s
Studies show viruses like influenza A, murine cytomegalovirus (a common herpes virus), and COVID-19 can also cause amyloid proteins to accumulate in the brain, according to Dr. Palekar. “Amyloid accumulation and amyloid plaque formation is one of the core pathological features seen in Alzheimer’s disease,” he added.
Studying viruses’ impact on neurodegeneration, ubiquitous COVID-19, is essential, Dr. Palekar said, noting that millions of people have been infected and “a large majority of them” experience long- or short-term neurological symptoms.
“Understanding the specific mechanisms by which viruses affect brain functions is critical and will drive the development of targeted therapeutics in reducing or even preventing virus-mediated neurodegeneration,” he added.
