Frontotemporal dementia and COVID‐19: Hypothesis generation and roadmap for future research

Ng, Kok Pin; Chiew, Hui Jin; Hameed, Shahul; Ting, Simon Kang Seng; Ng, Adeline Su Lyn; Soo, See Ann; Wong, Benjamin; Lim, Levinia; Yong, Alisa C.W.; Mok, Vincent Chung Tong; Rosa‐Neto, Pedro; Dominguez, Jacqueline C.; Kim, SangYun; Hsiung, Ging-Yuek Robin; Ikeda, Manabu; Miller, Bruce L.; Gauthier, Serge; Kandiah, Nagaendran

doi:10.1002/trc2.12085

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Mild forms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may have significant worsening in behavior and social cognition after COVID-19 (5). Recently, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) was reported in a previously healthy man during the acute phase of COVID-19 (6).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Case Report: Neurodegenerative Diseases After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection, a Report of Three Cases: Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease, Rapidly Progressive Alzheimer's Disease, and Frontotemporal Dementia

et al. 2022

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The relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and neurodegenerative diseases is yet to be fully clarified. Rapid worsening and even new-onset cases of those disorders have been reported in association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We describe three cases of neurodegenerative diseases in patients with SARS-CoV-2: a case of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease during the COVID-19 acute phase, to our knowledge, is the second one described in the literature; a rapidly progressive Alzheimer's Disease; and a patient with frontotemporal dementia, and a quick decline of both cognitive and behavioral domains. This report suggests an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and a higher probability of developing or accelerating neurodegenerative chronic neurologic conditions. We reinforce the need for a close cognitive follow-up in the aftermath of Sars-Cov2 infection.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Case Report: Neurodegenerative Diseases After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection, a Report of Three Cases: Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease, Rapidly Progressive Alzheimer's Disease, and Frontotemporal Dementia

et al. 2022

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“…[ 47 ] There are also studies linking SARS‐CoV‐2 to the development or progression of another neurodegenerative cognitive disorder, frontotemporal dementia (FTD). [ 48 ] Apart from neurodegenerative diseases, COVID‐19 is associated with deterioration of cerebrovascular complications. However, COVID‐19 patients with a history of stroke exhibit a higher incidence of CVD, more comorbidities, poorer outcomes, and higher mortality than COVID‐19 patients without a history of stroke.…”

Section: Neurological Symptoms Manifestation and Complications Of Cov...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Extracellular Vesicles: The Invisible Heroes and Villains of COVID‐19 Central Neuropathology

Chang,

Chen,

et al. 2023

Advanced Science

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Acknowledging the neurological symptoms of COVID‐19 and the long‐lasting neurological damage even after the epidemic ends are common, necessitating ongoing vigilance. Initial investigations suggest that extracellular vesicles (EVs), which assist in the evasion of the host's immune response and achieve immune evasion in SARS‐CoV‐2 systemic spreading, contribute to the virus's attack on the central nervous system (CNS). The pro‐inflammatory, pro‐coagulant, and immunomodulatory properties of EVs contents may directly drive neuroinflammation and cerebral thrombosis in COVID‐19. Additionally, EVs have attracted attention as potential candidates for targeted therapy in COVID‐19 due to their innate homing properties, low immunogenicity, and ability to cross the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) freely. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSCs) secreted EVs are widely applied and evaluated in patients with COVID‐19 for their therapeutic effect, considering the limited antiviral treatment. This review summarizes the involvement of EVs in COVID‐19 neuropathology as carriers of SARS‐CoV‐2 or other pathogenic contents, as predictors of COVID‐19 neuropathology by transporting brain‐derived substances, and as therapeutic agents by delivering biotherapeutic substances or drugs. Understanding the diverse roles of EVs in the neuropathological aspects of COVID‐19 provides a comprehensive framework for developing, treating, and preventing central neuropathology and the severe consequences associated with the disease.

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“…The current interventions, however, do not sufficiently address the unique challenges posed by social restrictions during the pandemic. For instance, neuropsychiatric symptoms such as apathy and disinhibition, which are hallmark features of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) [ 19 , 20 ], have contributed to greater difficulties adhering to preventative measures and reduced compliance with social restrictions, further compounding the burden of care [ 21 , 22 ]. This emphasizes the need for interventions that consider the interaction between neuropsychiatric symptoms and social restrictions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Psychosocial Intervention for Carers of Individuals Diagnosed with Dementia in Social Isolation

Wei,

Piguet,

Kumfor

2023

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Extra

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Introduction: Growing research has shown the negative impact of social isolation on the health and psychological well-being of individuals with dementia and their carers. This study investigated the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention for dementia carers during a lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Twenty-three family carers of individuals diagnosed with dementia living in the community were recruited and provided with an online psychoeducation toolkit that aims to improve health literacy, management of social and behavioural symptoms in dementia, carer social engagement, and coping skills. Carers were divided into “mild” or “moderate” groups based on the disease severity of the person with dementia they cared for. Outcome measures including distress and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms, carer self-efficacy and burden, social network, and feelings of loneliness were assessed at baseline and 2 weeks later. Results: Carers in the moderate group reported higher levels of distress (p = 0.001) and severity (p < 0.001) of neuropsychiatric symptoms and greater carer burden (p = 0.003) than carers in the mild group. Following the intervention, both groups reported increased social networks (p = 0.001). In addition, carers in the moderate group reported significantly reduced distress for neuropsychiatric symptoms (p = 0.013), enhanced carer self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts (p = 0.040), and decreased loneliness (p = 0.023). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that psychosocial interventions improve outcomes for carers of individuals with dementia, particularly those caring for individuals with greater disease severity. Findings from this study will inform the development of support services that meet the evolving needs of individuals with dementia and their carers in social isolation, during and in a post-pandemic context.

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Frontotemporal dementia and COVID‐19: Hypothesis generation and roadmap for future research

Cited by 6 publications

References 40 publications

Case Report: Neurodegenerative Diseases After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection, a Report of Three Cases: Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease, Rapidly Progressive Alzheimer's Disease, and Frontotemporal Dementia

Case Report: Neurodegenerative Diseases After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection, a Report of Three Cases: Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease, Rapidly Progressive Alzheimer's Disease, and Frontotemporal Dementia

Extracellular Vesicles: The Invisible Heroes and Villains of COVID‐19 Central Neuropathology

A Psychosocial Intervention for Carers of Individuals Diagnosed with Dementia in Social Isolation

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