The virus may fade, but its impact lingers: COVID-19 has been linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

A recent study by scientists revealed that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, regardless of the severity of their illness, show changes in blood biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers analyzed data from the large-scale biomedical database U.K. Biobank to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 infection could contribute to the development of neurodegenerative processes, as reported by News Medical.

By examining blood plasma samples from 626 COVID-19-positive individuals and 626 corresponding control subjects, the scientists identified significant alterations in brain pathology markers, raising concerns about the long-term neurological impact of the virus. Previous studies have already indicated that viral infections can trigger systemic inflammation, a known risk factor for developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

However, many earlier research efforts primarily focused on severe cases of COVID-19. The aim of the new study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, was to address this gap by investigating whether even mild or moderate infections could lead to brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Led by Dr. Yujin Duff, a research fellow in the brain sciences department, the scientists examined blood samples and measured levels of proteins related to brain damage, discovering key differences between those who had COVID-19 and those who had not. Individuals who tested positive for the virus exhibited signs of accelerated brain aging. Their blood contained less of the protective brain protein and more proteins associated with brain cell damage.

These changes resembled those seen in Alzheimer's disease and were comparable to approximately four years of normal aging. Even among individuals with mild COVID-19, similar effects were observed, suggesting that the virus may have a lasting impact on the brain.

The study also demonstrated that COVID-19-infected individuals performed worse on cognitive tests, showing signs of memory and thinking problems. Brain scans revealed changes similar to those observed in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, blood analysis indicated inflammation in individuals who had recovered from COVID-19, which could contribute to the development of long-term brain issues.

The researchers emphasize the importance of monitoring the brain health of individuals who have contracted the virus, particularly among older adults and those with conditions such as high blood pressure or obesity. Additional studies are needed to understand how COVID-19 affects the brain over time and what measures can be taken to mitigate its impact, the authors stated.

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