COVID-19 accelerates aging of brain cells

Scientists from the United States have found that coronavirus causes premature aging of brain cells. This can cause serious consequences, such as brain damage similar to Parkinson’s disease. In this regard, those who have had a prolonged coronavirus infection are recommended to be monitored by a neurologist. Experts with whom Kommersant spoke share these concerns and remind: in 2021–2022, data were published that the virus was found in the brain cells of those who died from COVID-19. Post-Covid neurological symptoms are being actively studied in several scientific centers in Moscow and other regions of Russia. Experts are also preparing for the possible massive consequences of brain tissue damage in citizens who have recovered from Covid.

Scientists from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Columbia University have found that coronavirus can affect neurons that produce dopamine. The results of the study were published in the journal Cell Stem Cell. The publication “Medvestnik” was the first to draw attention to them. The authors examined midbrain dopamine neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells. It turned out that SARS-CoV-2 disrupts the functioning of these cells: they begin to send chemical signals that activate the process of inflammation and the cellular aging reaction. The researchers also assessed the effects of the virus on heart, lung and pancreatic beta cells, but the aging pathway was activated only in dopamine neurons.

Although SARS-CoV-2 affects only 5% of dopamine neurons, scientists believe that even a small population of infected cells would be enough to cause serious consequences, such as brain damage similar to Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, patients who have suffered a prolonged coronavirus infection can be recommended to be monitored by a neurologist.

Candidate of Medical Sciences, infectious diseases doctor of the highest category of the Doctis telemedicine service Tatyana Kogut reminds: in 2021–2022, data were published that the virus was found in the brain cells of those who died from COVID-19. Manifestations of neurological symptoms in those who have recovered from Covid, according to her, vary: from minimal asthenoneurotic type to quite serious – meningitis, meningoencephalitis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. “This topic still receives close attention, although the problem of post-infectious asthenia has always existed, since any severe or not very severe infection, for example, a common mild flu, can also give neurological symptoms both in the acute period and in the recovery period,” says doctor.— Infectious disease specialists work with patients in the acute period, and then they fall out of our sight. However, neurological manifestations were common at this stage. For example, I have had patients with lesions of the peripheral nervous system, with complaints of depressive disorder, insomnia and other reactions.” From the point of view of clinical approaches, neurological manifestations are corrected based on general therapeutic effects, she continues: depression is treated with antidepressants, and damage to the peripheral nervous system is treated with drugs to restore the functioning of nerve cells, and so on.

Molecular biologist and researcher at Moscow State University Sergei Kharitonov points out that all viruses that cause respiratory diseases, including coronavirus, can penetrate nerve cells. “Olfactory receptors are essentially extensions of the brain. If the virus infects the olfactory nerve cells, it can travel through them to the brain. That’s why it often takes so long for those who have recovered from Covid to recover their sense of smell,” explains Mr. Kharitonov. He confirms that global studies have indeed documented an exacerbation of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease due to coronavirus infection in those patients who were already living with this disease of the nervous system. There have also been several cases of Parkinson’s onset after COVID-19. However, the connection between these two processes has not yet been directly proven, the expert emphasizes. The same, he continues, is true for other neurological diseases, such as dementia. “By penetrating the brain, the coronavirus increases the load on it, and some nerve cells die. Because of this, memory may be impaired, for example. Over time, it should recover, but in older people these processes are more difficult,” says the scientist.

Clinical psychologist of the medical technical company “Doctor Nearby” Olesya Tolstukhina draws attention to the fact that post-Covid syndrome includes a certain list of manifestations: asthenia, impaired memory and speed of thinking, emotional disorders, sleep disturbance, arrhythmia, impaired perception of tastes, smells, vision, unclear pain without organic grounds. Various autonomic symptoms are also possible, which are often associated with a significant increase in anxiety. According to her, post-Covid neurological symptoms are being actively studied in several scientific centers in Moscow and other regions of Russia. Experts discuss this topic at specialized conferences and prepare for possible massive consequences of brain tissue damage. “If a person notices the described symptoms that are not explained by objective medical examinations, it is recommended to look for a post-Covid rehabilitation program; quite a lot has already been done in this direction, especially in Moscow,” says Ms. Tolstukhina. “It is important to identify modifiable factors and influence them. First of all, this is the level of education and the level of intellectual activity, then physical inactivity, smoking, uncontrolled arterial hypertension in middle and old age, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, depression. When these conditions are corrected, the prognosis improves significantly, as does the person’s quality of life.”

Let us remind you that from July 1, 2021, an expanded medical examination program has been in effect in Russia. Three categories of citizens can undergo a medical examination: those who have recovered from COVID-19, patients with chronic diseases and people who have not sought medical care for two or more years.

Natalia Kostarnova