Unraveling neurocognitive impacts of Post-COVID Syndrome in aging: Mechanisms and predictors

Post-COVID syndrome, or long COVID, is characterized by persistent symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, with neurocognitive impairments among the most prevalent and disabling complaints—particularly relevant in the context of aging and brain health. Individuals frequently report deficits in memory, attention, executive functioning, processing speed, and everyday cognitive behavior, often described as “brain fog.” These symptoms may intersect with age-related neurocognitive vulnerability, yet their underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests involvement of neuroinflammation, dysregulated immune responses, cerebral hypoperfusion, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, and altered large-scale brain connectivity. The heterogeneity of these cognitive and behavioral presentations complicates objective assessment and the identification of reliable neurobiological markers. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for understanding how post-infectious syndromes may interact with aging-related brain processes and for developing targeted interventions to preserve cognitive functioning and promote healthy cognitive aging.The overarching goal of this Research Topic is to advance understanding of the neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric sequelae of post-COVID syndrome through systematic investigation of their underlying biological mechanisms and predictors of persistent impairment, with particular attention to aging-related brain vulnerability and resilience. Although “brain fog” is increasingly recognized as a hallmark of long COVID, critical gaps remain in understanding the neural pathways and pathophysiological processes that drive subjective and objective cognitive deficits, behavioral changes, and neuropsychiatric symptoms across the adult lifespan. By integrating multidisciplinary approaches—including longitudinal neurocognitive and behavioral assessments, advanced neuroimaging, and neurobiological biomarkers in extensively phenotyped individuals—this Research Topic aims to elucidate how SARS-CoV-2 infection may interact with mechanisms of brain aging to contribute to persistent cognitive dysfunction and related neurological symptoms. Ultimately, this work seeks to improve understanding of post-COVID syndrome within an aging neuroscience framework and support the development of targeted interventions and personalized treatment strategies to preserve cognitive health and promote healthy aging.This Research Topic welcomes contributions that address the neurocognitive problems (subjective and objective) of post-COVID syndrome, with a particular focus on disease mechanistic insights and predictive factors in relation to aging neuroscience, neurocognitive themes and behavrior. We encourage submissions that explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:• Neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits, including neuroinflammation, (micro)vascular injury, blood-brain-barrier dysfuctioning, structural abnormalities, and neuroimmune interactions;• Predictors of neurocognitive impairment, such as clinical markers, neuroinflammatory profiles, or pre-existing conditions;• Advanced methodologies for assessing cognitive function, including neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and other neurobiological biomarkers;• Longitudinal studies tracking the trajectory of neurocognitive symptoms and their association with recovery or persistence in relation to neurobiological mechanisms;• Therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation strategies targeting post-COVID cognitive dysfunction.• We invite original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, methodological papers, and perspective pieces. Interdisciplinary collaborations and translational research that bridge basic science with clinical applications are especially encouraged. Topic editors: Sander C.J. Verfaillie, Jennifer Ann Frontera Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80714/unraveling-neurocognitive-impacts-of-post-covid-syndrome-in-aging-mechanisms-and-predictors