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.

[u/Wagamaga]

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/260553/covid-19-linked-increase-biomarkers-abnormal-brain/

[u/jimmy_three_shoes]

My Grandfather had early symptoms of dementia (forgetfulness and would lose his train of thought occasionally) got COVID bad (3 weeks in the hospital), and within 6 months he was in full blown dementia. Had to take his keys away, got out one snowy evening and wandered the neighborhood in a t-shirt and jeans, and had no idea who anyone except my grandma was.

My Grandma on my Dad's side was diagnosed with Alzheimer's back in 2002, and her decline was a lot more gradual, probably taking almost a full decade to no longer recognize my Dad and my Uncles. I look identical to my Grandpa, so she always thought I was him.

[u/Pinkmongoose → u/jimmy_three_shoes]

My FiL had maybe mild forgetfulness, got a mild Covid infection and within a couple of weeks had undeniable dementia. Could be a coincidence, but the timing and rate of acceleration is certainly concerning.

[u/bluewhitecup → u/Pinkmongoose]

I had 7+ covid, more likely 10. All mild and no long covid, although I get sick easily now. It's been a year finally covid free and my brain fog is still intense. Can't form sentences as easily as before. Probably lost 10 IQ points.

[u/Forsaken_Bison_8623 → u/bluewhitecup]

Sorry you are going through this. Unfortunately each infection damages the immune system and the brain, and the damage is cumulative.

Study shows even mild SARS-CoV-2 infections cause changes in EEG signatures that indicate cognitive decline, also in children and adolescents. https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-024-03481-1

COVID-19 Leaves Its Mark on the Brain. Significant Drops in IQ Scores Are Noted https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/covid-19-leaves-its-mark-on-the-brain-significant-drops-in-iq-scores-are/

February 2024 study in the New England Journal of Medicine that shows that every infection impacts the brain - Very large study that followed 800,000 people over three years. Link to study: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2311330

What Repeat COVID Infections Do to Your Body, According to Science SARS-CoV-2 behaves differently than a common cold or flu virus—and can do major long-term damage. https://www.self.com/story/covid-reinfection-health-effects

Memorial Sloan Kettering: One of the most concerning long-term impacts of COVID-19 is immune dysregulation and dysfunction. https://libguides.mskcc.org/CovidImpacts/Immune

New research shows COVID’s impact is more prolonged than previously thought, with signs of inflammation and traces of virus detectable years after infection. The results raise uncomfortable questions about long-term health implications that we are only beginning to understand. https://www.statnews.com/2024/07/03/long-covid-ucsf-study-finds-virus-presence-years-post-infection/