Mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID: mechanisms, consequences, and potential therapeutic approaches

The role of atrial fibrillation in vascular cognitive impairment and dementia: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and preventive strategies

The aging population in Europe faces a substantial burden from dementia, with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) being a preventable cause. Atrial fibrillation (AF), a common cardiac arrhythmia, increases the risk of VCID through mechanisms such as thromboembolism, cerebral hypoperfusion, and inflammation. This review explores the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and preventive strategies for AF-related VCID. Epidemiological data indicate that AF prevalence rises with age, affecting up to 12% of individuals over 80. Neuroimaging studies reveal chronic brain changes in AF patients, including strokes, lacunar strokes, white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), and cerebral microbleeds (CMHs), while cognitive assessments show impairments in memory, executive function, and attention. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the underdiagnosis of AF, leading to an increase in undiagnosed strokes and cognitive impairment. Many elderly individuals did not seek medical care due to fear of exposure, resulting in delayed diagnoses. Additionally, reduced family supervision during the pandemic contributed to missed opportunities for early detection of AF and related complications. Emerging evidence suggests that long COVID may also elevate the risk of AF, further complicating the management of this condition. This review underscores the importance of early detection and comprehensive management of AF to mitigate cognitive decline. Preventive measures, including public awareness campaigns, patient education, and the use of smart devices for early detection, are crucial. Anticoagulation therapy, rate and rhythm control, and addressing comorbid conditions are essential therapeutic strategies. Recognizing and addressing the cardiovascular and cognitive impacts of AF, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, is essential for advancing public health.

Long COVID as a disease of accelerated biological aging: An opportunity to translate geroscience interventions

It has been four years since long COVID-the protracted consequences that survivors of COVID-19 face-was first described. Yet, this entity continues to devastate the quality of life of an increasing number of COVID-19 survivors without any approved therapy and a paucity of clinical trials addressing its biological root causes. Notably, many of the symptoms of long COVID are typically seen with advancing age. Leveraging this similarity, we posit that Geroscience-which aims to target the biological drivers of aging to prevent age-associated conditions as a group-could offer promising therapeutic avenues for long COVID. Bearing this in mind, this review presents a translational framework for studying long COVID as a state of effectively accelerated biological aging, identifying research gaps and offering recommendations for future preclinical and clinical studies.