A Look Into Virus-Mediated Neurocognitive Disorders

Introduction

The brain’s main function in the central nervous system is to send out neuron signals from the brain and to the entire body. These signals send out information to the body and the major organs systems to not only function properly but also make sure that they’re doing their jobs. When there are unwanted factors that enter the body and start to disrupt and affect the neuron signals, it can cause the development of neurodegenerative disorders. When this happens, not only does the brain gets dysfunctional, but the gut, musculoskeletal, joints, and endocrine system start to become dysfunctional as well. In this article, we will be taking a look at what are neurodegenerative disorders and why do viruses induce cognitive function in the brain. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialized in neurological services. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

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What Are Neurodegenerative Disorders?

So the central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord and the brain’s primary job is to send out signals throughout the body to make sure it’s functioning properly. When there are unwanted pathogens that start to affect the brain and disrupt the neuron signals, that is called neurodegenerative disorders. Studies have found that cognitive functioning from the brain can be due to age and even though normal aging in the brain can help with the development of compensatory strategies, while neurodegenerative dementias can accelerate the neuropathological process thus damaging the brain. Other research studies have also shown that neurodegenerative disorders can be the result of Lewy body disease, frontotemporal degeneration, traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular disease, and even from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease can affect cognitive function.

 

Virus-Mediated Neurodegenerative Disorders

Virus-mediated degenerative disorders can occur to the brain as any disruptors, pollutants, and air-bourne viruses can make their way inside the body. These disorders can affect the neuron signals that are traveling throughout the body and cause chronic issues to develop inside the body. Research studies have found that cognitive deficits can develop due to brain damage or neuron toxicity from these disruptors like metabolic disorders or heavy metals that can damage the neuronal tissue in the brain. One of the virus-mediated disorders that can affect the brain is the flavivirus.

 

Flavivirus & The Brain

 

Flavivirus, as research studies have shown, is emerging re-emerging arthropod-borne pathogens that are transmitted by mosquitos and ticks. Surprisingly many of the flaviviruses pathogens are neuroinvasive and neurovirulent and they can cause damage to the central nervous system. Studies have also found that when the flavivirus pathogens start damaging the central nervous system, it can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms like hemorrhagic fever and neurologic involvement causing brain bleeding. Other symptoms that flavivirus can also cause in the body is that when it crosses the epithelial and endothelial barriers of the gut, it can disrupt the tight junction and even increase the blood-brain barrier permeability as studies show.

 

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HCTP Therapy

As a form of regenerative medicine, stem cells* or HCTP (human cellular tissue products) have been used both internationally and nationally affiliated clinics and distribution organizations for individuals that are suffering from chronic illnesses. As a part of regenerative treatments, HCTP therapy has been used to help boost the body’s own natural healing process by repairing and regenerating damaged tissues, diseased organs, and cellular structures back to their original state. With more and upcoming research on the beneficial properties of HCTP and its uses, individuals can begin their wellness journey and be pain-free.

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Why Do Viruses Induce Cognitive Dysfunction?

 

When viruses entered the body, the immune system will send out white cells to where the virus is attacking the body and gets rid of it. However, research studies show that when viruses start to attack the body’s immune system it can also affect the central nervous system as well. When this happens, either by directly or indirectly by viral infections, it can cause interference with the pathways of neurodegenerative diseases causing neuronal degeneration in the brain. When this happens the body can start to develop chronic inflammation and can further develop cognitive dysfunction. Other studies have shown that viral-induced cellular activity from HIV starts to release chemokine and cytokines to disrupt the blood-brain barrier and increase the number of inflammatory lymphocytes in the brain. Some of the symptoms that these viral pathogens can cause are an impact on brain structure and can cognitively impair individuals.

 

Conclusion

All in all, the brain’s primary function in the central nervous system is sending out neuron signals throughout the entire body and having a bidirectional connection with the organ systems and the body itself. When there are unwanted pathogens from either environmental disruptors or viral infections that enter the body and start to attack and disrupt the neuron signals, it can lead to cognitive dysfunction. When there is cognitive dysfunction happening in the brain, it can develop over time to neurodegenerative diseases if it is not treated. By incorporating nutritional foods that can help promote brain health and provide nutrients to the body can stop neurodegenerative diseases from progressing further in the body.

 

References

Dhakal, Aayush, and Bradford D Bobrin. “Cognitive Deficits.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 23 Nov. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559052/.

Estofolete, Cássia F, et al. “Flavivirus Infection Associated with Cerebrovascular Events.” Viruses, MDPI, 22 June 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7354470/.

Gendelman, Howard E. “Predictive Biomarkers for Cognitive Decline during Progressive HIV Infection.” EBioMedicine, Elsevier, 14 Nov. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7000313/.

Karim, Sajjad, et al. “The Role of Viruses in Neurodegenerative and Neurobehavioral Diseases.” CNS & Neurological Disorders Drug Targets, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25230220/.

Laureti, Mathilde, et al. “Flavivirus Receptors: Diversity, Identity, and Cell Entry.” Frontiers in Immunology, Frontiers Media S.A., 26 Sept. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6168832/.

McDonald, William M. “Overview of Neurocognitive Disorders.” Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), American Psychiatric Association, Jan. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6519631/.

Neal, J W. “Flaviviruses Are Neurotropic, but How Do They Invade the CNS?” The Journal of Infection, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2014, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24880028/.

Sachdev, Perminder S, et al. “Classifying Neurocognitive Disorders: The DSM-5 Approach.” Nature Reviews. Neurology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Sept. 2014, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25266297/.

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