Researchers in Australia found that people who had COVID-19 might develop neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease. When a person gets infected by COVID-19, similar to Parkinson’s disease, and Alzhemeir’s, the virus will activate an inflammatory response in the brain. This will contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The risk is higher for those who are inclined to the diseases.
A person who is pre-disposed to these diseases and has had COVID-19 is metaphorically having fuel poured on the ‘fire’ in the brain. Thus, it can cause inflammation. The inflammation in the brain is the hallmark of diseases like Parkinson’s.
Furthermore, 85% of the SARS-CoV-2 patients were associated with neurological complications. The complications include headaches, dizziness, seizure. Besides that, cerebrovascular events, and gait difficulties.
The researchers studied the effect of the virus on ‘microglia.’ The ‘microglia’ is the brain’s immune cells involved in the progression of brain diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. They found out that the cells became ‘angry,’ similar to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s protein can activate the inflammasomes.
Metaphorically, this triggers the inflammasomes and a ‘fire’ will spark in the brain, . This will cause the killing of neutrons. According to the researchers, this explains why people who have had COVID-19 are more at risk of developing neurological diseases.
Nevertheless, the research is still ongoing. The researchers are also studying remedies in case the virus have long-term consequence.
Source: Parkinson’s News Today