According to an Australian study, Covid accelerates the production of ‘zombie’ cells in the brain, associated with premature aging. However, researchers believe they have found a promising way to reverse this concerning process.
Senescent or ‘zombie’ cells naturally accumulate as the brain ages. It is believed that individuals who have had Covid are more likely to experience accelerated appearance of these cells within their brains.
Dr. Julio Aguado from the University of Queensland’s Australia Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology explained, “Senescent cells are known to drive tissue inflammation and degeneration, leading to cognitive impairments such as brain fog and memory loss.”
Queensland researchers determined to find solution
Dr. Aguado confirmed that the discovery of Covid as an accelerator for premature aging prompted his team to seek a solution by investigating possible resets to the biological brain clock.
The researchers used synthetic brain models grown from human stem cells to study how these negative impacts could be combated, and turned to therapeutic solutions to eliminate the ‘zombie’ cells.
The research team identified four drugs that selectively removed the unwanted cells, thereby reducing the risk of neurodegenerative symptoms and rejuvenating the brain—namely navitoclax, ABT-737, fisetin, and a cocktail of dasatinib plus quercetin (D+Q).
Dr. Aguado stated, “More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play, but this study marks a significant step forward in our knowledge of the intricate relationship between viral infections, aging, and neurological well-being.”
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