ABSTRACT
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease affected by multiple elements such as exercise, food, and social stimulation. Research has demonstrated the positive effects of exercise such as community-based programs and aerobic activities in reducing rates of decline in cognition. Another protective measure is avoiding red meat and alcohol and instead incorporating a Mediterranean diet to reduce inflammation and inhibit free radicals. Finally, social stimulation can serve to reduce the progression of the disease by increasing a sense of connection and meaningful purpose. COVID-19 has made it difficult for AD patients, especially those living in nursing homes or advanced facilities, to participate in exercise classes due to restrictions, to eat a fresh diet due to resource shortages, and to see friends and family due to social distancing. This chapter delves into the effects of COVID-19 on elements such as physical activity, diet, and social interaction on the disease progression of AD. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by a β-coronavirus and its genomic variants, is associated with substantial morbidities and mortalities globally. The COVID-19 virus enters host cells upon binding to the angiotensin converting enzyme two receptors. Patients afflicted with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic or present with critical symptoms possibly due to diverse lifestyles, immune responses, aging, and underlying medical conditions. Geriatric populations, especially men in comparison to women, with immunocompromized conditions, are the most vulnerable to severe COVID-19-associated infections, complications, and mortalities. Notably, whereas immunomodulation, involving nutritional consumption, is essential to protecting an individual from COVID-19, immunosuppression is detrimental to the host with this hostile disease. As such, immune health is inversely correlated to COVID-19 severity and resulting consequences. Advances in genomic and proteomic technologies have helped us to understand the molecular events underlying symptomatology, transmission, and pathogenesis of COVID-19 and its genomic variants. Accordingly, there has been development of a variety of therapeutic interventions, ranging from mask wearing to vaccination to medication. Regardless of various measures, a strengthened immune system can be considered as a high priority of preventive medicine for combating this highly contagious disease. This chapter provides an overview of pathogenesis, effects of comorbidities on COVID-19 and their correlation to immunity, and prospective therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19, is a novel coronavirus that began sweeping the globe at the end of 2019, causing mild illness in some patients while leading to devastating shock, immune dysregulation, multiorgan failure, and even death in others. Immune dysregulation may lead to increased susceptibility to severe disease from COVID-19. Immune enhancers could aid in immune regulation and protect against severe COVID-19 infection. Herbal supplements, spices, and lifestyle modifications have been shown to enhance immune responses to a number of pathogens, which may include COVID-19. These immune enhancers could be used adjunctively with vaccines, social distancing, and pharmacologic treatments to prevent life-threatening infection in susceptible patients. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.