3. SARS-CoV-2 indirect action
Some authors describe an indirect viral action. Analysis of postmortem brain tissue from died COVID-19 subjects showed modest neuropathological alterations that may be related to hypoxia as well as significant neuroinflammation in various brain areas [29].
In a transcriptomic and interactomic study, authors demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 worsens the Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) condition by increasing neurotoxicity, due to higher levels of beta-amyloid peptide, inflammation, and oxidative stress [28]. Regardless of the type of action, research indicates that COVID-19 patients may be more susceptible to developing neurodegenerative disorders in the future [30]. Some authors describe it could be possible that COVID-19 triggers or accelerates neurological disorders, such as AD. COVID-19 and AD share several biochemical processes. Similar to AD, SARS-CoV-2 can alter the homeostasis of the blood–brain barrier, induce hypoxia, and trigger neuroinflammation.