University of Texas researchers found that Omicron BA.1 caused lasting neurological issues in hACE2 mice, linked to blood-brain barrier breakdown, clotting, and inflammation.
Viral RNA and spike protein lingered in the brain even without live virus.
SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1 induce amyloid aggregation, depleting soluble proteins.
Suggests a link between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases via protein loss.
Nearly half of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience long-term neurological problems, including brain fog and memory issues.
An infection may accelerate or exacerbate prion diseases like Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, leading to rapid neurodegeneration.
