A growing body of research suggests that COVID-19 may have lasting effects on brain health, raising the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Long COVID patients—especially those over 65—are significantly more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with one study led by Dr. Gabriel de Erausquin reporting rates up to five times higher than average. Some survivors also show elevated levels of Alzheimer’s-related proteins in their blood, and brain imaging reveals changes in regions tied to memory and emotional regulation. These findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and support for those recovering from COVID-19. Explore the articles below to find out more.
* indicates peer-reviewed studies.
* Parallel Electrophysiological Abnormalities due to COVID-19 Infection and to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia August 29, 2024. Jiang Y, Neal J, Sompol P, et al. Alzheimer’s Dement. 2024; 20:: 7296–7319.
COVID-19 Infection Accelerates the Progression of Dementia Neuroscience News. IOS Press. April 4, 2023
*Links between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s Disease—What Do We Already Know? Int Journal Environ Res Public Health. Rudnicka-Drożak E., Drożak P., Mizerski G. et al. January 25, 2023.
*Age-dependent Phenotypes of Cognitive Impairment as Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, Volume 16. January 6, 2025. Gonzalez Aleman Gabriela , Vavougios George D. et al.
Long COVID and the brain: Global study links infection to memory loss, higher dementia risk in seniors UT Health San Antonio. Claire Kowolick, February 11, 2025.
COVID-19 linked to higher dementia risk in older adults, study finds News Medical Life Science Dr. Chinta Sidharthan. February 9, 2024
COVID-19 Infection Makes Dementia Worse Contagion Live. Rachel Lutz, April 25, 2023
*The Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Cognitive Functioning of Patients with Pre-Existing Dementia Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports. Dubey S, Das S, Ghosh R, et al. February 2, 2023
*Association Between COVID-19 Infection and New-onset Dementia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis BMC Geriatrics. Shan, D., Wang, C., Crawford, T. et al. December 15, 2024.
*Clinical Features and Outcomes of Patients with Dementia Compared to an Aging Cohort Hospitalized During the Initial New York City COVID-19 Wave Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Volume 81, Issue 2. Harb AA, Chen R, Chase HS, Natarajan K, Noble JM. March 13, 2021
*The Risk of Cognitive Decline and Dementia in Older Adults Diagnosed with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Ageing Research Reviews Volume 101. Shrethsha, A., Chen, R. et al. November 2024
COVID-19 May Damage the Brain in Older Adults Alzheimer’s Association. November 12, 2021.
*COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s Disease Share Common Neurological and Ophthalmological Manifestations: A Bidirectional Risk in the Post-Pandemic Future Cells 12, (22)2601. Amadoro G, Latina V, Stigliano E, Micera A. November 10, 2023