PREDICTIVE PLASMA BIOMARKERS OF MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT FOLLOWING RESPIRATORY VIRAL INFECTION: A NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To analyze plasma biomarkers predictive of mild cognitive impairment after respiratory viral infection. Introduction: Respiratory viral infections, especially those caused by viruses with neurotropic potential such as SARS-CoV-2, have been associated with late neurological manifestations, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In recent years, plasma biomarkers have been investigated as promising tools for early identification of neuronal injury and brain inflammation after viral infections. This narrative review aimed to synthesize recent evidence on plasma biomarkers associated with the risk of cognitive impairment after respiratory infections. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were consulted, prioritizing studies published in the last ten years. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that biomarkers such as neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), phosphorylated tau protein, neurospecific enolase (NSE), and inflammatory cytokines are associated with neuronal damage and cognitive decline in post-infection patients. Conclusion: These markers reflect pathophysiological processes such as neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and neuronal degeneration. Early identification of these biomarkers may contribute to clinical monitoring strategies and prevention of cognitive decline in populations affected by respiratory viral infections.