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.