COVID-19 Neurological complications, technological breakthroughs, and more

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Previous research has shown that patients with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and all-cause dementia are at increased risk of COVID-19 disease severity and death, and a study highlighted by NeurologyLive finds that the Neurological manifestations caused by the virus can also significantly increase the risk of mortality and functional decline in patients.

Individuals who developed neurological complications of COVID-19 have been shown to be of advanced age and to stay in hospitals more than 2 times longer, on average, than normal patients, and have also been associated with more frequent discharge in one subacute rehabilitation facility.

Notably, research presented this week at the Alzheimer’s Association international conference indicated that brain fog, a long-term neurological symptom of COVID-19, may increase the risk of developing AD.

Integration of new technologies in the management of Advanced PD

In a series of NeurologyLive’s Peer Exchanges, titled Advanced Parkinson’s Disease Recognition and Management, speakers discussed the use of technology in managing advanced PD and how to best integrate these devices into practice.

Addressing approaches to incorporating technology into PD management, the speakers mentioned 2 ways to do this: the use of wearable technology and the use of smart homes. Smart homes, which work by installing devices in the home to monitor patients’ motor behavior, have been considered an experimental approach that is still under study.

Additionally, the use of deep brain stimulation and brain sensing has been noted, which may open possibilities for adaptive devices that alter or administer doses based on patients’ dopamine levels.

Cause of the most common form of PD identified

In a recent study by researchers from the University of Copenhagen, the most common form of PD, sporadic PD, was found to be caused by blocking a pathway that regulates mitochondria.

Published in Molecular Psychiatry, it was noted that the blockade is caused by a dysregulation of immune genes, specifically type 1 interferon, which causes the gradual death of neurons and leads to the development of Parkinson’s disease and associated dementia.

Following their findings, the researchers said they hope the study will serve as a catalyst for further research into the block and how to counter it. Additionally, they noted that future research conducted by their team will focus on how the pathway contributes to neuronal homeostasis and survival, and how its dysregulation results in neuronal cell death.

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