The Interplay of Infections, Inflammation, and Cognitive Decline: Insights into Dementia Etiology and Prevention

Neurodegenerative research has increasingly recognized that dementia arises not only from intrinsic neuronal degeneration but also from systemic and peripheral biological influences. A growing body of evidence highlights the importance of infections and immune dysregulation as potential drivers of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Epidemiological studies have linked various viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens to increased dementia risk, while preclinical and clinical investigations suggest that infection-induced inflammation disrupts neuronal homeostasis, neurotransmission, and integrity of the blood–brain barrier. These immunological insults may accelerate amyloid and tau pathologies, alter glial responses, and foster an environment conducive to chronic neuroinflammation. Despite this progress, major scientific gaps persist regarding causality, temporal dynamics, and the specific immune mechanisms connecting infectious processes to neuronal damage. Understanding these complex interactions remains key to identifying individuals at risk and devising effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.This Research Topic aims to elucidate the intricate interplay between infectious agents, immune responses, and neurodegenerative pathways that underpin cognitive decline and dementia. It seeks to advance mechanistic insights into how infections trigger or amplify inflammatory cascades in the central nervous system, explore how innate and adaptive immune networks shape vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases, and identify molecular or cellular biomarkers that capture these processes. Additionally, the Topic encourages translational and clinical investigations evaluating immunomodulatory or infection-targeted interventions that could delay or mitigate cognitive deterioration. Through interdisciplinary contributions, this initiative aspires to deepen understanding of dementia’s multifactorial etiology and inform more precise diagnostic and treatment strategies.To gather further insights at the intersection of infection, immunity, and neurodegeneration, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Infection-associated neurodegenerationo HSV, VZV, and other pathogen-related mechanismso Viral and bacterial contributions to dementia risko Neuroinflammation and innate immunityo Complement pathways and microglial biologyo Neurovascular inflammation and blood–brain barrier dysfunctiono Biomarkers of immune dysregulationo Disease-modifying therapies and immune responseso Translational, clinical, and epidemiological studieso Precision medicine approaches targeting immune pathways in dementia. Topic editors: Dong Woo Kang, Hye-Ra Lee Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82371/the-interplay-of-infections-inflammation-and-cognitive-decline-insights-into-dementia-etiology-and-prevention