Genetic Risk Factor Links Alzheimer's Disease and Severe COVID-19

Original from: technology Networks

Author: Molly Campbell

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with Alzheimer's disease were identified as being at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19.  "At first we thought that was because people with dementia were less likely to be able to adhere to physical distancing and mask wearing, or were exposed in their care institutions when there was a mass discharge from hospitals," Dr. David Strain, senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter said. "However, even after adjustment for these risk factors, those with even early dementia were still at a much higher risk."

A new study led by Dr. Dervis Salih and colleagues at University College London (UCL) suggests that an anti-viral gene, OAS1, might contribute to this observed association. The findings are published in the journal Brain.

OAS1 and Alzheimer's disease

The new study builds on previous work by the UCL team that reported a link between oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) and Alzheimer's disease. The OAS1 gene is expressed in microglia, an immune cell that accounts for ~10–15% of the cells found in the brain. While the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease pathology is a build-up of amyloid plaques and TAU tangles in the brain, a growing body of research is demonstrating how the immune system – and in particular, inflammation – contributes.

Variants and increased disease risk

How can this research be applied?

Source: Genetic Risk Factor Links Alzheimer's Disease and Severe COVID-19