r/science • u/Wagamaga • Feb 03 '25

Neuroscience Scientists discover that even mild COVID-19 can alter brain proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease, potentially increasing dementia risk—raising urgent public health concerns.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/260553/covid-19-linked-increase-biomarkers-abnormal-brain/
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u/Wagamaga Feb 03 '25 edited Feb 03 '25

Researchers have uncovered a link between COVID-19 and blood markers linked to faulty proteins in the brain.

In an analysis led by researchers at Imperial College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute, scientists found that people who had previously had COVID-19 were more likely to have increased levels of biomarkers linked to faulty amyloid proteins – a known hallmark for Alzheimer’s disease.

On average, the effects were comparable to four years of ageing with the greatest effects seen in those hospitalised with severe COVID-19 or with underlying risk factors for dementia such as smoking or high blood pressure.

According to the researchers, the findings suggest that mild or moderate COVID-19 may accelerate biological processes that contribute to the buildup of disease-promoting amyloid in the brain. The new results raise the possibility that COVID-19 might contribute to an increase in later risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

However, the team urges caution with the findings. They explain their observational study is unable to prove any causal links between COVID-19 and dementia. They also stress it is still unclear whether the effect is specific to SARS-CoV-2 infection, or if a similar effect could be associated with other common infections such as influenza or pneumonia.

Overall, the study provided new evidence that COVID-19 may accelerate Alzheimer’s disease-related brain changes, even in individuals with mild infections. The observed alterations in plasma biomarkers suggested a potential long-term impact on brain health.

While further research is needed to confirm these findings, the authors emphasized that their results align with previous reports suggesting an increased incidence of dementia following COVID-19. These findings highlight the importance of long-term monitoring, preventive interventions, and future public health strategies aimed at mitigating post-COVID neurological risks.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03426-4

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u/Nikadaemus Feb 03 '25

I've seen a massive spike in Lewy Body driven neurologist disorders

Junk getting printed out of your Ribosomes is my bet, as my Mom never got Rona but has a "Parkinsons" diagnosis now and it accelerated far beyond typical progress rates

The increase in such diagnosis and related disease is incredibly high 

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u/middlegray Feb 03 '25

I'm sorry to hear that.

What can we do about it? Just get vaxed for flu and COVID every year? Is natural immunity worth it in very healthy, young individuals who've been vaccinated in the past as opposed to yearly vaccinations?

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u/lil_garlicc Feb 03 '25

You can mask, especially in airports and on planes… and in hospitals. That would be the bare minimum. You can avoid crowded indoor concerts until people start taking indoor air quality seriously.

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u/apcolleen Feb 04 '25

I went to my new cardiologist last month and in the entire department she and I were the only ones masking. She said so you're still wearing a mask eh? I said There's still covid eh? and we laughed. In the entire first and second floor where I was at I saw only about 3 others masking. This is Atlanta, not Goobersberg.