As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, new and unforeseen consequences are emerging. Recent studies have shown that the virus is not only deadly for those infected but also has long-term effects on the brain, particularly in those with existing cognitive impairments. This is a devastating blow to the elderly population, already the most vulnerable demographic to the virus and now at an increased risk for more severe dementia symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore the link between COVID-19 and accelerated dementia, and what can be done to prevent further damage to this already at-risk group.
New research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports has found that infection with SARS-CoV-2 can significantly impact cognitive function in patients with preexisting dementia, leading to rapidly progressive dementia. The study looked at 14 patients with different types of dementia and found that following a COVID-19 infection, the differences between dementia subtypes became blurred, and cognitive deterioration progressed rapidly. The study also observed cortical atrophy and inflammation-related white matter intensity changes in the brain, indicating that compromised brains have limited defense against new insults like infections or dysregulated immune responses.
The researchers found that infection with the virus impacted the cognitive function of all subtypes of dementia included in the study, causing them to behave like rapidly progressive dementia. The team of investigators also found that the line of demarcation between different types of dementia became blurry post-COVID-19. Both degenerative and vascular dementias started behaving like mixed dementia both clinically and radiologically. Furthermore, the characteristics of a particular type of dementia changed following COVID-19. Patients who were previously cognitively stable started exhibiting rapid and aggressive deterioration.
The study proposes a new term for cognitive sequelae observed in COVID-19 patients with preexisting dementia, called “FADE-IN MEMORY” (fatigue, decreased fluency, attention deficit, depression, executive dysfunction, slowed information processing speed, and subcortical memory impairment). The study recommends that health professionals recognize the pattern recognition of COVID-19-associated cognitive deficits to distinguish between COVID-19-associated cognitive impairments per se and other types of dementia.
As the aging population and dementia are increasing globally, understanding the connection between COVID-19 and dementia will have a significant impact on future dementia research. The study calls for meticulous evaluation of cognitive deficits in patients with preexisting dementia, particularly for symptoms accompanied by depression and/or apathy and fatigue. This understanding will impose additional stress and burden on caregivers, making them one of the most critical issues but often forgotten aspects that may hamper treatment.
As we continue to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we must not forget about the impact it is having on some of our most vulnerable populations. The acceleration of dementia in those already suffering from the disease is a sobering reminder of the long-term effects this virus can have. As we move forward, it is important to prioritize the health and well-being of all individuals, especially those who are most susceptible to the virus and its complications. Let us continue to practice preventative measures and work towards finding a solution to this global crisis.
