These days, two of my greatest anxieties revolve around COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s Disease. The first is a constant source of worry, and the latter looms particularly large for me since my father is battling Alzheimer’s, which raises my own risk for developing the disease. Recent studies are now drawing unsettling connections between these two fears, making me feel overwhelmed.
Unless you’ve witnessed the effects of Alzheimer’s firsthand, it’s difficult to grasp the severity of this condition. I’ll spare the details out of respect for my family, but it’s crucial to acknowledge that approximately 6 million individuals in the U.S. are currently grappling with dementia stemming from Alzheimer’s. This figure represents not just people, but entire families affected by this tragic illness.
As if the prospect of developing Alzheimer’s wasn’t daunting enough, new findings suggest that COVID-19 might also trigger the disease. I am deeply concerned for myself, my family, and everyone I care about who has faced the virus.
As reported by NPR, researchers at UT Health San Antonio are among the global teams presenting their findings on the neurological impacts of COVID-19 at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. They have observed that PET scans taken before and after COVID-19 infections reveal brain changes similar to those found in Alzheimer’s patients. Genetic studies indicate that certain genes associated with severe COVID-19 also elevate the risk for Alzheimer’s.
Interestingly, researchers have noted that a loss of smell could be a significant indicator linking the two conditions. Millions of individuals in the U.S. have reported enduring cognitive and mood disturbances post-COVID, with many expressing symptoms reminiscent of early Alzheimer’s. Some doctors describe these patients as exhibiting an “Alzheimer’s-like syndrome” that can persist for months.
This issue isn’t limited to the elderly. For instance, Emily Thomas, a 36-year-old former healthcare worker, has faced drastic neurological repercussions from her COVID-19 diagnosis. She recounts moments of confusion, such as struggling to remember how to use utensils. “It was humiliating,” she said. “Before this, I was pursuing my master’s degree, but now I can barely read at a fifth-grade level.”
Dr. Lisa Green, the head of the Neurodegenerative Research Initiative at UT Health San Antonio, stated that it may take up to a decade to ascertain whether individuals like Emily have a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those who haven’t contracted COVID-19. Experts speculate that the effects of COVID-19 on the brain may evolve over time, mirroring the progression seen in Alzheimer’s, but conclusive answers will take years.
Moreover, a study from the Cleveland Clinic has identified a connection between COVID-19 infections and brain alterations typically associated with Alzheimer’s. The research, published in the Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy journal, found significant relationships between COVID-19, neuroinflammation, and brain microvascular damage—pathways also implicated in Alzheimer’s.
Previous studies have shown that other viral infections, such as herpes, may heighten the risk of Alzheimer’s by triggering immune responses in the brain.
To quell any rising panic, it’s vital to frame this information appropriately. The research is still in its infancy. Not every person who contracts COVID-19 will experience neurological issues, and this knowledge underscores the importance of vaccination and protective measures as variants continue to spread.
Don’t be swayed by those who downplay the virus with claims that it’s merely a flu or that we should build immunity naturally—these assertions are misleading. Having seen the impact of Alzheimer’s firsthand, I can attest to its heartbreaking nature. If there’s any potential link between COVID-19 and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, it emphasizes the necessity of safeguarding ourselves and our loved ones.
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In summary, the potential ramifications of COVID-19 on memory and cognition, particularly in relation to Alzheimer’s Disease, are concerning and merit further investigation. While the research is ongoing, the importance of protecting ourselves through vaccination remains paramount.