Journal Article Review Epublish
PubMed: 40076522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26051896
Cognitive Dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Aetiology and Potential Treatments.
Int J Mol Sci 26(5)
Authors: Amolak Singh Bansal, Katharine A Seton, Jonathan C W Brooks, Simon R Carding
Affiliations
- Spire Bushey Hospital, Bushey WD23 1RD, UK.
- Food, Microbiome and Health Research Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK.
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZA, UK.
- Norwich Medical School, University East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
Abstract
Systemic infection and inflammation impair mental function through a combination of altered attention and cognition. Here, we comprehensively review the relevant literature and report personal clinical observations to discuss the relationship between infection, peripheral inflammation, and cerebral and cognitive dysfunction in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Cognitive dysfunction in ME/CFS could result from low-grade persistent inflammation associated with raised pro-inflammatory cytokines. This may be caused by both infectious and non-infectious stimuli and lead to altered regional cerebral blood flow accompanied by disturbed neuronal function. Immune dysregulation that manifests as a subtle immunodeficiency or the autoimmunity targeting of one or more neuronal receptors may also be a contributing factor. Efforts to reduce low-grade systemic inflammation and viral reactivation and to improve mitochondrial energy generation in ME/CFS have the potential to improve cognitive dysfunction in this highly disabling condition.
MeSH
Cytokines, Encephalomyelitis, Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic, Cognitive Dysfunction, Fatigue, Therapeutics, Infections