Recent research suggests that even mild cases of COVID-19 may lead to alterations in brain proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease, potentially increasing the risk of dementia.
A study published in Nature Medicine analyzed blood samples from UK Biobank participants and found that individuals with COVID-19 exhibited changes in neurodegeneration-related biomarkers. Among these markers, beta-amyloid (Aβ42:Aβ40), phosphorylated tau (pTau-181), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) showed significant alterations, indicating early pathological changes in the brain. Ultrasensitive assays allowed researchers to detect these changes with high precision before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The study involved 626 COVID-19-positive individuals and 626 matched controls, with participants selected based on age, gender, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors. The findings revealed that even mild cases of COVID-19 led to a reduced Aβ42:Aβ40 ratio, a biomarker linked to Alzheimer’s pathology. Additionally, increased levels of pTau-181 and NfL indicated neuronal damage, which is more pronounced in older adults and individuals with pre-existing conditions.
While no direct causal link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease has been established, the researchers emphasize the importance of long-term cognitive health monitoring in post-COVID patients. These findings highlight the need for further investigations to assess the long-term neurological consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection and develop strategies for mitigating potential risks.
