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Review
. 2024 Dec;46(6):6563-6581.
doi: 10.1007/s11357-024-01227-8. Epub 2024 Jun 14.

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Long COVID) in older adults

Affiliations
Review

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Long COVID) in older adults

Samantha J Russell et al. Geroscience. 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Long COVID, also known as PASC (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2), is a complex infection-associated chronic condition affecting tens of millions of people worldwide. Many aspects of this condition are incompletely understood. Among them is how this condition may manifest itself in older adults and how it might impact the older population. Here, we briefly review the current understanding of PASC in the adult population and examine what is known on its features with aging. Finally, we outline the major gaps and areas for research most germane to older adults.

Keywords: Clinical presentation; Long COVID; Molecular mechanisms; Older adults; SARS-CoV-2.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Key pathogenesis mechanisms potentially driving PASC supported by studies performed to date (03/2024). The most likely primary drivers of PASC include virus-driven mechanisms and immunoinflammatory and endothelial dysfunction mechanisms. As represented in the diagram, interactions between all three, including potential potentiation and synergy, are not only possible but very likely. See text for details

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