Coronavirus infection could lead to long-term cognitive decline and Alzheimer's

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Scientists are concerned the coronavirus could cause long-term damage to the brain and central nervous system, potentially leading to Alzheimer's in later life. 

US and UK-based academics are planning a large-scale global study to investigate the possibility SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes Covid-19, could lead to cognitive decline, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other forms of dementia years after infection. 

The full repercussions of brain-related problems caused by the coronavirus will not be fully understood for decades as survivors age but autopsies, mouse studies and data from other respiratory viruses are cause for concern, researchers warn. 

There is currently no evidence the coronavirus does cause Alzheimer's but it has been found the virus is able to invade the brain and scientists hope their global study can shed light on the issue.   

'Since the flu pandemic of 1917 and 1918, many of the flu-like diseases have been associated with brain disorders,' said lead author Dr Gabriel de Erausquin at the University of Texas. 

'Those respiratory viruses included H1N1 and SARS-CoV. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, is also known to impact the brain and nervous system.' 

The research was done in conjunction with British-based experts at the University of Leicester and the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham. 

However, there is lacking data on how viruses impact on long-term cognitive health. 

The Spanish flu of 1918 was tied by scientists to a spike in brain afflictions such as sleep disruption, anxiety and psychosis, symptoms also seen in Covid patients.