A new study indicates that COVID-19 may elevate the levels of biomarkers associated with brain proteins related to Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a possible increased risk of dementia.
Understanding the potential long-term impacts of COVID-19 on brain health is critical for healthcare providers to identify and mitigate risks associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Recent research out of Imperial College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute suggests a link between COVID-19 and elevated biomarkers indicating potential risks for Alzheimer's. The study analyzed biomarkers from the UK Biobank and found increased levels in those previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, suggesting a potential pathway to neurodegeneration akin to aging by four years. This finding underscores the need for further investigation into long-term COVID-19 impacts, particularly in patients with existing Alzheimer's risk factors.
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Infections like COVID-19 may affect brain health, increasing Alzheimer’s risk due to biomarker changes.
COVID-19 infection is linked to increased levels of abnormal brain protein markers, similar to those found in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases.
The study found that COVID-19-related biomarker changes mimic those seen in earlier stages of Alzheimer’s.
Recent research has shown that COVID-19 can lead to increased levels of biomarkers in the blood associated with brain amyloid proteins. These proteins are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that the virus might accelerate cognitive decline.
"Our findings suggest COVID-19 may drive changes which contribute to neurodegenerative disease," said Dr. Eugene Duff from Imperial College London.
These findings indicate that the inflammatory response triggered by COVID-19 may be a significant factor in these changes. This hypothesis aligns with previous studies linking other infections to increased dementia risk.
Longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm the links between COVID-19 and neurodegenerative changes.
The study focused on a representative sample to assess possible changes in dementia-related biomarkers due to COVID-19.
By examining participants of varying ages and health statuses, the study provides a broader understanding of COVID-19’s impact.
The researchers conducted a rigorous analysis of 1,252 UK Biobank participants, aged between 46 and 80, focusing on plasma biomarkers indicative of Alzheimer's disease.
Through comparisons of pre- and post-COVID-19 infection biomarker levels, they observed significant changes, particularly in older adults and those with existing health conditions.
"The magnitude of changes was similar to those associated with known genetic risk factors for AD," said the research group.
Preventative measures and further research are needed to mitigate Alzheimer’s risks following COVID-19.
The observed biomarker changes suggest potential long-term cognitive health impacts from COVID-19.
These findings prompt an urgent need for further exploration into how COVID-19 might elevate Alzheimer’s risk, especially for at-risk populations.
The study's findings raise important considerations for long-term public health strategy, particularly regarding elderly populations and those with pre-existing neurodegenerative disease risk factors.
Further research is essential to determine whether these biomarker changes translate into a clinically significant increase in Alzheimer's cases post-COVID-19 pandemic.
"More studies now are needed to prove any causal links," said Professor Paul Matthews. "The more we know, the better we can strategize prevention."
Eugene P. Duff et al, Plasma proteomic evidence for increased β-amyloid pathology after SARS-CoV-2 infection, Nature Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03426-4
Samantha Rey and Ryan O'Hare, COVID-19 linked to increase in biomarkers for abnormal brain proteins, Medical Xpress, 2025. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-covid-linked-biomarkers-abnormal-brain.html