(1/7) Pre-print study (interpret carefully) showing that monkeys infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed abnormal proteins in their brains (Lewy bodies) that are linked to the development of Parkinson's disease and a type of dementia.
H/T: @fitterhappierAJ.
biorxiv.org/content/10.110…
H/T: @fitterhappierAJ.
biorxiv.org/content/10.110…
(2/7) In this study, 4 rhesus macaques and 4 cynomolgus macaques were infected with SARS-CoV-2, and developed mild-to-moderate symptoms.
Lewy bodies developed in all 4 rhesus macaques, and one old cynomolgus macaque.
i.e., Lewy bodies developed in 5 of 8 monkeys.
Lewy bodies developed in all 4 rhesus macaques, and one old cynomolgus macaque.
i.e., Lewy bodies developed in 5 of 8 monkeys.
(3/7) Animal studies do not always translate well (or even at all) to humans, and so these results need to be interpreted very carefully.
The monkeys also received a higher dose than most humans would likely be exposed to.
The monkeys also received a higher dose than most humans would likely be exposed to.
(4/7) It is also very important to note that even if these results do apply to humans, this phenomenon might only affect a small proportion of people who are infected with SARS-CoV-2.
In those people, it might lead to an increased risk of dementia in later life.
In those people, it might lead to an increased risk of dementia in later life.
(5/7) However, this is a very serious finding requiring further study.
The authors note their findings are “a serious warning as they may be predictive for COVID-19-related dementia cases in humans in the future, even after an asymptomatic infection or mild disease process.”
The authors note their findings are “a serious warning as they may be predictive for COVID-19-related dementia cases in humans in the future, even after an asymptomatic infection or mild disease process.”
(6/7) Even if these findings only apply to a small proportion of people who are infected with SARS-CoV-2, this could be a major public health problem in future decades because of the very large number of COVID-19 cases globally.
(7/7) This study provides yet more evidence that we do not fully understand what the long-term effects of contracting this virus might be.
COVID-19 is really not “just a flu”, and we should not accept living with it.
Elimination of COVID-19 should be our goal.
COVID-19 is really not “just a flu”, and we should not accept living with it.
Elimination of COVID-19 should be our goal.
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