Cognitive sequealae of COVID-19 is not predicted by SARS-CoV-2 variants

Authors

Gabriel A. de Erausquin, University of Texas Health Science - San Antonio
Igor Zwir, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Gabriela Gonzalez-Aleman
Mariana Figueredo-Aguiar
John Blangero, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Fabiana Vaca
Maria Eugenia Dominguez
Eduardo G. Padilla
Mohamad Habes, University of Texas Health San Antonio
Sudha Seshadri

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

7-19-2023

Abstract

Background: The long term sequelae of COVID-19 in older adults are only beginning to be clarified, and its predictors and underlying molecular mechanisms may shed light on the relationship between viral infections and Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

Method: A prospective cohort of 874 older adult Amerindians from Argentina with COVID-19 illness confirmed by PCR of nasal swabs as well as controls, was established during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We obtained data on the severity of the acute illness, as well as extensive neuropsychiatric and cognitive assessments, neurological exams (including quantitative hyposmia/anosmia), plasma for biomarkers and preliminary brain MRI images using the ADNI-3 protoco (n=300)l,and whole genome sequencing (n=300). Isolates from SARS-CoV-2 were obtained by the provincial Direction of Epidemiology and sequenced by the national Ministry of Health. Variants of interest/concern were allocated to each case on the basis of the prevalent community isolate at the time of confirmed positive PCR. A deep learning strategy was used to identify predictive factors of cognitive and clinical outcomes.

Result: Four distinctive cognitive profiles were identified. Greater cognitive impairment was associated with older age (p = E^-9), worse acute COVID-19 illness (p=0.008), unvaccinated status (p = E^-7), and severity of anosmia (p = E^-5). SARS-CoV-2 variant was associated with severity of acute illness ((p = E^-6) but notably not with cognitive impairment. Preliminary analysis of genomic and brain imaging data will be presented.

Conclusion: Our data strongly suggest that all SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest up to the omicron wave seem equally likely to result in cognitive impairment in older adults, modulated by the severity of the acute illness.

Comments

© Alzheimer's Association

Recommended Citation

Erausquin GA de, Zwir JI, Snyder HM ... & Gutierrez, J. (2023, July). Cognitive sequealae of COVID-19 is not predicted by SARS-CoV-2 variants. In Alzheimer's Association International Conference. ALZ.

Publication Title

Alzheimer’s Association International Conference

Academic Level

faculty

Mentor/PI Department

Neuroscience