Long COVID: Increased Risk of Dementia and Lasting Impacts on Immunity and Brain
A study found that elderly individuals who contracted COVID-19 faced a 60% increased risk of developing new-onset dementia (NOD) within a year of infection compared to those without respiratory infections. The risk of NOD was nearly two-fold higher in those with prior COVID-19 infections compared to those who never contracted COVID-19 or other respiratory infections. Severe COVID-19 cases were associated with a 17-fold rise in NOD risk. The study underscores the impact of COVID-19 on neurocognitive health and the need to prioritize prevention and public health infrastructure.