A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease indicates that the risk of developing this disease is between 50% and 80% higher than a control group
Older people who have passed the covid-19 present a risk “substantially higher” risk of developing Alzheimer’s within a year and it has been observed especially among women at least 85 years old.
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease carried out with patients over 65 years of age indicates that the risk of developing this disease is between 50% and 80% higher than a control group.
Research conducted by Case Western Reserve University (United States) and which studied the medical records of more than six million patients, indicates that the highest risk was seen in women at least 85 years old.
Also, after the investigation, the researchers affirm that it is not clear if covid-19 triggers a new development of Alzheimer’s disease or if it accelerates its appearance.
Two essential elements
The factors that intervene in the development of Alzheimer’s are not well understood, but there are two elements that are considered important: previous infections, especially viral ones, and inflammation.
Since SARS-CoV2 infection has been associated with central nervous system abnormalitiesincluding the inflammationthe team wanted to see if, “even in the short term, covid-19 could lead to a rise in diagnoses“said one of the authors of the study Pamela Davis, quoted by the university.
The research team analyzed the medical records of 6.2 million adults aged 65 years and older who received medical treatment between February 2020 and May 2021 and did not have a previous diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
Related news
Alzheimer’s disease is “a serious and challenging disease, and we thought we had turned that around by reducing general risk factors such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle,” added the investigator.
But now, the long-term consequences of covid-19 are still emerging, so “it is important to continue to monitor the impact of this disease in future disability”.