Alzheimer’s disease in elderly COVID-19 patients: potential mechanisms and preventive measures

Abstract

Advanced age correlates with higher morbidity and mortality among patients affected with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Because systemic inflammation and neurological symptoms are also common in severe COVID-19 cases, there is concern that COVID-19 may lead to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this review, we summarize possible mechanisms by which infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, may cause AD in elderly COVID-19 patients and describe preventive measures to mitigate risk. Potential mechanisms include NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β release, renin-angiotensin system hyperactivation, innate immune activation, oxidative stress, direct viral infection, and direct cytolytic β-cell damage. Anti-inflammatory therapies, including TNF-α inhibitors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antioxidants such as the vitamin E family, nutritional intervention, physical activity, blood glucose control, and vaccination are proposed as preventive measures to minimize AD risk in COVID-19 patients. Since several risk factors for AD may converge during severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, neurologists should be alert for potential symptoms of AD and actively implement preventive measures in patients presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms and in high-risk patients such as the elderly.

Introduction

About one year after its onset, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evolved into an emergent global pandemic that impacted dramatically on the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research [1]. There are several parallels between AD and COVID-19 in regard to pathogenic mechanisms and risk factors. Advanced age, for instance, is both the main risk factor for AD and the strongest predictor of COVID-19 mortality [2]. On the other hand, a broad range of neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms, including loss of smell (anosmia) or taste (ageusia), headache, dizziness, and epilepsy, have been reported in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 [3–6]. Since cognitive decline was also described in elderly COVID-19 patients, it was suggested that SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to AD development and other long-term neurological sequelae [5, 7, 8]. Although direct evidence for COVID-19-induced AD has not so far surfaced, there are several possible mechanisms by which COVID-19 may initiate AD. These include systemic inflammation, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) hyperactivation, innate immune activation, oxidative stress, direct viral infection, and direct cytolytic β-cell damage. This review aims to systematically summarize hypothetical mechanisms of COVID-19-mediated AD onset and progression in elderly patients and puts forward some preventive measures to minimize those risks.

COVID-19 may cause cognitive dysfunction

Recent reports discussed evidence of neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment sequelae triggered by immunological issues in patients with neurological symptoms caused by COVID-19 [5, 9]. Indeed, an observational study in France reported that one-third of COVID-19 patients admitted due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) had evidence of cognitive impairment at the time of discharge [10]. Therefore, it is particularly meaningful to summarize the potential mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 can cause AD.

Possible mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-induced AD

Systemic inflammation

Mounting evidence suggests that neuroinflammation is involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, a condition characterized by Aβ accumulation and tau phosphorylation [11–13]. The immunological sensor nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a key mediator of AD development [14, 15]. Studies have shown that the systemic inflammatory response induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection is mediated in part by overstimulation in the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway [16–18]. Critically, NLRP3 inflammasome activation can potentially aggravate or initiate AD by impairing microglial amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide clearance [19]. Moreover, AD development in COVID-19 patients can be further aided by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, released upon NLRP3 inflammasome activation [14], or IL-17, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), produced by immune cells in response to the infection [20–22].

Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome

The SARS coronavirus ORF3a protein was shown to induce the extrinsic apoptotic pathway in human cells [23] and to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome by promoting TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3)-dependent ubiquitination of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) [24]. On the other hand, ARDS, a common complication of severe COVID-19 resulting from dysregulated hyperinflammation, can rapidly stimulate the innate immune response and lead to NLRP3 inflammasome activation [25–27]. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 infection can trigger activation of NLRP3 inflammasome through both direct (ORF3a) and indirect (ARDS) mechanisms. As we all know, ARDS patients needed the lung protective ventilatory strategies to reduce pulmonary morbidity, however, which almost always lead to hypercapnia. A study from Ding et al. reported that hypercapnia can strengthen the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and enhance the release of pro-inflammatory IL-1β in the hypoxia-activated microglia [18]. Elevated IL-1β secretion via activating the NLRP3 can induce neuroinflammation, neuronal death and cognitive impairments, which might involve in the pathogenesis of AD. Additionally, these findings can be reinforced by this fact that apoptosis of neurons and impairments of cognitive function might be ameliorated though pharmacologically inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β release. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 infection might contribute to the pathogenesis of AD via activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and overproduction of IL-1β [18] (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1.

COVID-19 may cause AD by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome

Role of IL-17, IL-6, and TNF-α

Systemic inflammation caused by COVID-19 is characterized by the convergence of inflammatory mediators such as IL-17, IL-6, and TNF-α, among others [28]. IL-17, produced by T helper 17 cells, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases such as AD [20]. The main targets of IL-17 are the neutrophils, which can promote inflammation and central nervous system (CNS) tissue damage upon stimulation by this cytokine. Through this mechanism, IL-17 plays an important role in AD pathology. TNF-α can link peripheral and central inflammation and was shown to modulate various neuropathological mechanisms in AD [29]. In turn, high levels of IL-6 in severe COVID-19 patients may predict hippocampal atrophy [22], which is one of the pathophysiological characteristics of AD.

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) hyperactivation

There is evidence suggesting that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression may be downregulated after binding of the receptor-binding domain of the S glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 to cellular ACE2 [28]. Downregulation of ACE2 may lead to increased expression of Angiotensin II (Ang-II) [28], the most important effector peptide of the RAS and a main systemic regulator of blood pressure [30]. In turn, SARS-CoV-2 may also stimulate RAS activity in the brain indirectly, by inducing the production of neurotoxins and proinflammatory factors acting on astrocytes [30]. Many tissues, such as the nigrostriatal system in the brain, are known to have a local RAS [30]. In the nigrostriatal system, RAS hyperactivation exacerbates oxidative stress and the microglial inflammatory response, contributing to dopaminergic degeneration and favoring AD development [30] (Fig. 2). Indeed, the contribution of the brain RAS to the development and progression of AD has been demonstrated by observational and experimental studies [31].

Fig. 2.

COVID-19 may cause AD via hyperactivation of the RAS

Innate immune activation

SARS-CoV-2 may enter the brain by binding to host cells, such as glial cells and neurons, that express the ACE2 receptor [32]. There is ample evidence that microglia, the brain’s major innate immune cells, play an indispensable role in AD pathogenesis by inducing neuroinflammatory responses that stimulate Aβ production [33]. Several key molecular and clinical manifestations of AD, such as Aβ accumulation, neuronal loss, and memory decline, might therefore be exacerbated after microglia become infected with SARS-CoV-2 [33].

Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress, triggered by a state of imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defense system, has been reported to be involved in pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection [34]. This finding was further confirmed by a study by Panfoli et al. [35]. Interestingly, a study by Nasi et al. reported that production of ROS can induce lipid peroxidation [36]. Another research found that lipid peroxidation can cause oxidative dysfunction of key energy-related complexes in mitochondria and trigger neurodegeneration, which may eventually contribute to the development of AD [37]. This finding that SARS-CoV-2 may initiate AD by oxidative stress mechanism is consistent with the fact that oxidative stress, as we all know, is one of the pathogenesis of AD [22].

Direct viral infection

Like other human coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 has neuroinvasive, neurotropic, and neurovirulent properties [38]. Common neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection include anosmia and ageusia, and clinical studies reported that olfactory and gustatory dysfunction affected a majority of patients with mild or severe COVID-19 [39, 40]. It is well known that some viral infections (e.g. the influenza virus) can cause loss of olfactory function [41]. Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can enter the CNS through the olfactory nerve in the nasal cavity by combination of its spike protein with ACE2 receptors in various cells of the olfactory epithelium, leading to loss of olfaction and eventually to viral dissemination to deeper structures in the brain [38]. It is reported that neurons and glial cells within brain structures such as the striatum, the substantia nigra, and brain stem express the ACE-2 receptor [28]. Upon entering the CNS, SARS-CoV-2 may directly activate innate immunity mediated by glial cells, potentially leading to Aβ accumulation and AD progression or onset [33]. Besides, direct infection of neurons within cognitive structures will cause neuroinflammation and neuronal necrosis, further stimulating the development of AD [18]. Importantly, reportedly elevated levels of ACE2 in AD patients may make them more susceptible to severe COVID-19 infection [42].

Direct cytolytic β-cell damage

There is an obvious relationship between AD and diabetes mellitus (DM) [43, 44]. It was estimated that the risk of developing AD is increased by 1.5- to twofold in long-term diabetic patients [43]. Glucose is the primary energy supply to the brain. By depriving the brain from insulin, DM decreases glucose metabolism, impairs cerebral blood supply, and disrupts normal cellular functions, promoting neurodegeneration and memory and cognitive deficits [44]. DM may also increase the aggregation of Aβ peptide, induce hyperphosphorylation of tau protein [44], and trigger deleterious changes in vascular structure and function [45]. Indeed, since hallmark molecular/clinical manifestations of AD can be triggered by insulin resistance in brain cells, AD has been referred to as “diabetes of the brain” or “type 3 diabetes” [46].

DM is considered a main risk factor for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms [47]. In turn, COVID-19 can exacerbate dysglycemia in people with DM, and evidence has emerged of diabetes-related symptoms, such as acute hyperglycemia and acute diabetic ketoacidosis, precipitated by SARS-CoV-2 in people with no history of diabetes [48]. It was thus proposed that SARS-CoV-2 can induce new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) via direct cytolytic damage of pancreatic β-cells, which express the ACE2 receptor [48].

Potential preventive measures

As discussed in the above sections, the global spread of SARS-CoV-2 has had profound implications in the field of AD [1, 49–51]. Of particular concern is the evidence that the COVID-19-related death rate is higher for AD patients than for elderly COVID-19 cases without AD [52]. Because AD is incurable and there are few effective drug treatments to slow disease progression [53], it is urgently necessary to adopt preventive measures to avoid SARS-CoV-2 contagion in AD patients and to mitigate, especially in the elderly, the risk of developing AD following infection. The sections below summarize key preventive measures in such regard.

Anti-inflammatory therapy

Both severe COVID-19 and AD are characterized by systemic inflammation triggered by elevated levels of TNF-α and other pro-inflammatory factors. Therefore, anti-inflammatory therapies represent first-line interventions to mitigate risk of brain damage and to prevent AD initiation in COVID-19 patients. Several studies on mice, rats, and monkeys showed that treatment with TNF-α inhibitors can significantly reduce the burden of neurofibrillary tangles, amyloid precursor protein, and Aβ plaques [13]. Therefore, TNF-α inhibitors represent valuable prophylactic agents to prevent AD through immune modulation of the TNF inflammatory pathway. In addition, another study reported that long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can prevent the occurrence of AD by blocking neuronal ectopic cell cycle events caused by microglial activation induced by Aβ oligomers [54].

Antioxidant therapy

Because oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of both the COVID-19 and AD, antioxidant therapies can be useful to prevent the occurrence of AD in COVID-19 patients. Vitamin E and derivatives such as tocotrienol are powerful antioxidants that were shown to act in brain cells to mitigate oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, two inter-dependent phenomena closely associated with AD pathogenesis [55, 56]. In this regard, a recent study indicated that garcinoic acid, a natural vitamin E metabolite, can prevent Aβ oligomerization and deposition in the mouse brain [57].

Nutritional interventions

Mounting evidence suggests that the incidence and severity of AD can be significantly attenuated by modulation of the gut microbiota and cerebral Aβ production through dietary interventions [58]. The bioactive components of commonly consumed foods and dietary supplements include prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics. Among the prebiotics, wheat bran was shown to promote the growth of commensal bacteria, positively modulate the gut–brain axis, decrease neuroinflammation, and delay the occurrence and progression of AD [58, 59]. The role of dietary patterns and nutritional interventions in AD progression and prevention was recently reviewed by Rodriguez-Casado et al. [60].

Physical activity

Several risk factors related to AD, such as DM, hypertension, and heart disease [61] are modifiable through physical activity and moderate intensity exercise such as aerobic activities and balance and flexibility training [62, 63]. Main benefits of physical activity on AD prevention include anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, as well as increased cerebral blood flow [62].

Blood glucose control

Some pathophysiological factors shared by DM and AD, such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction can be directly linked to abnormal glucose homeostasis [64]. As discussed above, DM is a risk factor for AD [64]. It is thus possible that COVID-19 may aggravate AD symptoms or stimulate its development by inducing dysglycemia and even T1DM [48]. Therefore, blood glucose control strategies represent a wise preventive approach to minimize AD risk and pathology in individuals affected by COVID-19. Main consequences of unstable blood glucose levels include microvascular complications, atherosclerosis, and severe hypoglycemic events [65]. As reviewed by Fiore et al. both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can induce cognitive decline and AD [64]. The potential therapeutic benefit of successful stabilization of blood glucose levels on SARS-CoV-2-related AD progression or risk is highlighted by a study from Sardu et al. who reported that insulin infusion can effectively achieve glycemic targets and improve poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19 [66].

Anti-Aβ vaccine that has the potentially promising

Since available treatments for AD show at best modest therapeutic effects, researchers have undertaken intensive efforts to develop vaccines able to halt AD progression by removing Aβ from the brain [67]. However, following promising results in mice, a clinical trial examining the effectiveness of vaccination with full length Aβ42 was stopped after 6% of patients with mild to moderate AD developed meningoencephalitis [68]. Follow-up studies showed however both partial and extensive plaque clearance in post-mortem AD brains from some vaccinated patients, although this did not translate into improved cognitive and disability scores [69]. This experience paved the way to further development of vaccine formulations targeting more specific disease epitopes and offering better control of the immune response [68]. In this regard, a recent study in the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD showed that injection of dendritic cells presenting a modified Aβ peptide triggered a specific antibody response and improved memory performance to a similar degree than that exhibited by non-transgenic, untreated mice. Importantly, the vaccine did not trigger an inflammatory response [70]. Despite past failures and the significant challenge involved in developing and testing vaccines against endogenous neurodegenerative disease proteins, these sustained efforts to harness the immune system to treat AD will hopefully bring long-awaited success.

Conclusions

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is having a major impact in both AD patients and AD research. CNS symptoms such as anosmia, ageusia, headache, dizziness, epilepsy, and cognitive decline, as well as systemic inflammation, RAS activation, innate immune activation, oxidative stress, direct viral infection, and direct cytolytic β-cell damage may all contribute to aggravate or initiate AD in people affected by COVID-19. Accordingly, preventive measures in the form of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapies appear particularly necessary to mitigate AD onset and progression caused by SARS-CoV-2. Further measures, including nutritional interventions, increased physical activity, and glycemic control can further help prevent the occurrence of AD in people at risk for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Although there are currently few studies addressing the relationship between COVID-19 and AD, the numerous potential links between the two diseases reinforce the need for comprehensive assessment of neurological symptoms and implementation of prophylactic and preventive measures to minimize AD risk following infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Author contribution

Haili Wang, Juan Lu and Xia Zhao: writing of the manuscript and making of figures. Yingzhu Chen and Jun Zhang: revising the manuscript and accepting responsibility for conduct of research and final approval. All authors contributed to writing and revising of the paper. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Funding

This study was supported by “Six Talents” Peak Cultivation Funding Project (No.WSW-246); Jiangsu Province, “Thirteenth Five-Year Plan” Special Fund for Science, Education, and Health (No. RCC201807); Provincial academic leader Class B (No. DTRB18008).

Data Availability

Data and materials can be made available upon request.

Code Availability

Not applicable.

Declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Ethical approval

None.