The Korea National Institute of Health (KNIH) on Wednesday announced that its research team identified a mechanism showing the COVID-19 spike protein may impair memory and proposed a potential treatment approach.
The KNIH team, led by Dr. Koh Young-ho, reported that the S1 spike protein of the virus directly affects nerve cells through disruption of cellular functions related to cognitive processes. Researchers analyzed interactions between the S1 protein and neurons and observed changes consistent with cognitive impairment associated with COVID-19 infection.
The study examined how the S1 protein interfered with neuronal signaling and memory-related pathways. Using laboratory models, the team monitored memory function after exposure to the S1 protein and measured changes in neuronal activity. The researchers identified specific molecular pathways in nerve cells affected, which were associated with reduced cognitive performance.
Based on these findings, the research group proposed a potential treatment method targeting the affected pathways to alleviate COVID-19–related cognitive symptoms.
The team plans further preclinical and clinical studies to verify safety and effectiveness of the proposed treatment in people experiencing cognitive issues after COVID-19 infection. KNIH officials stated the study could support development of therapeutic strategies for patients reporting memory loss or concentration difficulties following COVID-19.