Page 34 - AN-4-2

Advanced Neurology SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of neurological impact

(Table 4). Both conditions involve glial cells – specifically While significant progress has been made in
astrocytes and microglia – which play a critical role in understanding the neurological impacts of SARS-CoV-2,
neurodegeneration. The inflammatory responses triggered substantial gaps remain. Addressing these gaps is crucial
by COVID-19, including microglial activation and for mitigating the long-term effects of COVID-19 and
astrocytic involvement, closely resemble those observed in improving patient outcomes.
AD, suggesting that viral infection may accelerate AD-like
pathology in susceptible individuals. Future research Acknowledgments
focused on these shared mechanisms could lead to targeted None.
therapies that not only address CIs resulting from COVID-
19 but also offer novel strategies for treating AD. A deeper Funding
investigation into the molecular interactions between None.
SARS-CoV-2 and neurodegenerative pathways, particularly
the roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome and ACE2, could Conflict of interest
identify promising therapeutic targets to mitigate or
prevent neurodegeneration in both conditions. Ultimately, The author declares no conflicts of interest.
the intersection of COVID-19 and AD underscores the Author contributions
need for integrated approaches to studying the impact of
viral infections on neurodegenerative diseases, offering This is a single-authored article.
potential avenues for innovative treatments aimed at Ethics approval and consent to participate
slowing or halting their progression.
Not applicable.
Neuroimaging studies consistently demonstrate
significant acute and long-term structural and functional Consent for publication
brain changes in COVID-19 survivors (Table 6). Acute-
phase imaging often reveals signal abnormalities and Not applicable.
lesions, particularly in severe cases, indicating immediate Availability of data
neurological effects. In the recovery phase, persistent
alterations such as reduced cortical thickness, diminished Not applicable.
cerebral blood flow, and white matter disruption are
prominent in the frontal and limbic regions. Long-term References
findings include gray matter loss, particularly in the left 1. Wu Z, McGoogan JM. Characteristics of and important
temporal lobe, and altered activity in regions such as lessons from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
the precentral gyrus and thalamus, with changes in the outbreak in China: Summary of a report of 72 314 cases
putamen, insula, and temporal gyri linked to cognitive and from the Chinese center for disease control and prevention.
emotional impairments associated with long COVID. These JAMA. 2020;323(13):1239‑1242.
distinct neurobiological impacts, compared to other viral doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.2648
infections, underscore the need for targeted therapeutic 2. Helms J, Kremer S, Merdji H, et al. Neurologic features
strategies. However, limitations such as small sample sizes in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. N Engl J Med.
and study heterogeneity call for comprehensive longitudinal 2020;382(23):2268‑2270.
research to clarify mechanisms and recovery pathways.
doi: 10.1056/NEJMc2008597
Advancements in neuroimaging and EEG may enhance 3. Davis HE, McCorkell L, Vogel JM, Topol EJ. Long COVID:
our understanding of cognitive and neurophysiological Major findings, mechanisms and recommendations. Nat
abnormalities associated with COVID-19, facilitating Rev Microbiol. 2023;21(3):133‑146.
early detection of cognitive decline and providing insights doi: 10.1038/s41579-022-00846-2
into neurovascular comorbidities in long COVID.
Developing and evaluating both pharmacological and 4. Zhang H, Huang C, Gu X, et al. 3-year outcomes of discharged
non-pharmacological treatment strategies tailored to these survivors of COVID-19 following the SARS-CoV-2 omicron
neurological impacts is essential for symptom management (B.1.1.529) wave in 2022 in China: A longitudinal cohort
study. Lancet Respir Med. 2024;12(1):55‑66.
and improving quality of life. Engaging with patients to
understand their experiences and outcomes will be crucial doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(23)00387-9
in shaping research priorities and ensuring interventions 5. Stein SR, Ramelli SC, Grazioli A, et al. SARS-CoV-2
meet real-world needs. infection and persistence in the human body and brain at

Volume 4 Issue 2 (2025) 28 doi: 10.36922/an.4909