New research shows that COVID-19 may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. While brain fog after COVID is already well known, scientists are now discovering that COVID-related brain inflammation could lead to permanent damage and a higher risk of Alzheimer’s.
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How Does COVID-19 Cause Brain Inflammation?
A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology last year identified four ways COVID-19 can trigger brain inflammation:
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Activation of the immune response: Inflammation happens as the body fights off the virus.
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Damage to the blood-brain barrier: This allows harmful cells and toxins to enter the brain.
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Endothelial cell damage: These cells, which line blood vessels, are involved in inflammation.
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Damage to nerve cells: COVID can interfere with the function and structure of nerve cells.
According to the American Brain Foundation, brain inflammation can affect mental and emotional processes like thinking, concentration, and mood. If it becomes chronic, it can cause long-term damage, even leading to the immune system attacking healthy tissue.
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COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
Recent studies show that brain changes caused by COVID-19 may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
COVID and Chlamydia Pneumoniae: A Risk for Alzheimer’s
One study in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that COVID-19, along with Chlamydia pneumoniae (a bacterium that causes respiratory infections), could increase Alzheimer’s risk in some people.
News Medical explains that both infections raise levels of cytokines in the brain. Cytokines are proteins that signal the immune system. However, too many cytokines can lead to chronic inflammation and increase the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The study found that both COVID-19 and Chlamydia pneumoniae can pass through the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain through the olfactory system, which is connected to memory and cognition areas. The loss of smell, a common symptom in both COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s, is a key sign of this pathway.
COVID-19 and Amyloid Plaques in the Brain
Another study, published in Science Advances, looked at how COVID-19 affects amyloid plaques in the brain. Amyloid plaques are clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
News Medical reports that researchers found COVID-19 could increase amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. They also discovered that COVID-19 enters retinal cells, which may explain the connection between the eyes and the brain.
In this study, human retinal tissue from COVID-19 patients showed higher levels of amyloid beta, similar to the levels found in Alzheimer’s patients. This finding suggests that amyloid beta might be part of the brain’s immune response to viral infections.
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What Does This Mean for the Future?
These studies show that COVID-19 might cause long-lasting effects on brain health. The inflammation caused by the virus may not only lead to brain fog but could also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. As more research is conducted, we may better understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 on brain function.
If you’ve had COVID-19 and still experience symptoms like brain fog or loss of smell, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and stay informed.
