Killing 'Zombie' Cells Emerges As Key to Reversing Covid-Induced Brain Aging

Researchers have found a way to reverse a cellular process triggered by Covid that contributes to premature aging of the brain.

Scientists at the University of Queensland have made a significant breakthrough in their research on Covid-19's impact on brain health. Using synthetic brain organoid models grown in a laboratory from human stem cells, they have identified four drugs that can potentially reverse a cellular process triggered by Covid-19, which contributes to premature brain aging. This discovery holds promise for mitigating the long-term neurological effects of Covid-19 infection.

"We found Covid-19 accelerates the presence of 'zombie' or senescent cells, which accumulate naturally and gradually in the brain as we get older," said Dr Julio Aguado from UQ's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN).

"Senescent cells are known to drive tissue inflammation and degeneration, leaving patients exposed to cognitive impairments like brain fog and memory loss."