Impact of COVID-19 on Alzheimer's Disease Risk: Viewpoint for Research Action

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Quantitative 3D In Silico Modeling q3DISM of Cerebral Amyloid-beta Phagocytosis in Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease
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Quantitative 3D In Silico Modeling q3DISM of Cerebral Amyloid-beta Phagocytosis in Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease

Published on: December 26, 2016

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Giulia Abate1, Maurizio Memo1, Daniela Uberti1

  • 1Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 26, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Further research is needed to understand the long-term neurological consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • The global focus during the COVID-19 pandemic is on acute treatments and vaccines.
  • Long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including chronic conditions, are not fully understood.
  • The neuroinvasive potential of SARS-CoV-2 in elderly populations may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the potential link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
  • To hypothesize potential mechanisms underlying the development of Alzheimer's disease post-COVID-19.
  • To highlight the necessity of immediate experimental investigation into the Alzheimer's disease-COVID-19 connection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and hypothesis generation.
  • Analysis of existing data on SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism.
  • Exploration of potential pathophysiological pathways linking viral infection to neurodegeneration.

Main Results:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection may present a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease.
  • Hypothesized mechanisms include viral entry into the central nervous system and subsequent inflammatory responses.
  • The age demographic of COVID-19 patients aligns with typical Alzheimer's disease onset.

Conclusions:

  • A mechanistic link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease risk is plausible.
  • Urgent experimental research is required to validate these hypotheses.
  • Proactive investigation is crucial for future therapeutic strategies and patient preparedness.
Keywords:
ACE2Alzheimer’s disease riskSARS-CoV-2 infectionneuroinvasivness

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