Specialist Dr. Oğuzhan Onultan: The risk of Alzheimer’s increases after COVID.

In the News.com Studio, Neurology Diseases Specialist Dr. Oğuzhan Onultan made important statements about Alzheimer’s and Dementia diseases. He particularly highlighted the effects of COVID-19 on Alzheimer’s. Dr. Onultan stated, "The more times Covid is contracted, the higher the risk of Alzheimer’s in older age," emphasizing the long-term effects of the disease. He also noted that 65% of dementia cases are associated with Alzheimer’s, which is why most people equate the term dementia with Alzheimer’s.

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN COVID-19 AND ALZHEIMER’S

Dr. Onultan stated that one of the long-term effects of COVID-19 is the increased risk of Alzheimer’s. "The virus can trigger neurological diseases with its negative effects on the brain. Therefore, especially those who have contracted Covid multiple times have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s in older age," he said. This statement reveals that the pandemic can have serious effects not only on the respiratory system but also on brain health.

THE MISCONCEPTION ABOUT DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER’S

Explaining that dementia is not a disease but a collection of symptoms, Dr. Onultan said, "In the public, dementia and Alzheimer’s are perceived as synonymous. However, the most common type of dementia, accounting for 65%, is Alzheimer’s. Correcting this misconception is important in the early diagnosis and treatment process," he stated. He emphasized that this situation, which is frequently seen in the elderly population, can be managed more effectively by raising awareness.