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ToolsBansal, Amolak Singh, Seton, Katharine A., Brooks, Jonathan C.W. and Carding, Simon R. (2025) Cognitive Dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome—Aetiology and Potential Treatments. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26 (5). pp. 1-21. ISSN 1661-6596
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Abstract
Systemic infection and inflammation impair mental function through a combination of altered attention and cognition. Here, we comprehensively review the relevant literature and report personal clinical observations to discuss the relationship between infection, peripheral inflammation, and cerebral and cognitive dysfunction in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Cognitive dysfunction in ME/CFS could result from low-grade persistent inflammation associated with raised pro-inflammatory cytokines. This may be caused by both infectious and non-infectious stimuli and lead to altered regional cerebral blood flow accompanied by disturbed neuronal function. Immune dysregulation that manifests as a subtle immunodeficiency or the autoimmunity targeting of one or more neuronal receptors may also be a contributing factor. Efforts to reduce low-grade systemic inflammation and viral reactivation and to improve mitochondrial energy generation in ME/CFS have the potential to improve cognitive dysfunction in this highly disabling condition.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | Acknowledgments: The authors thank Ellen Goudsmit for her valued contribution and the numerous patients whose generous time and help have been invaluable to our understanding of the memory problems that they suffer. SRC and KS are supported by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) under grant numbers BB/J004529/1, BB/R012490/1, and BBS/E/F/000PR10355 and by Invest in ME Research, ME Research UK, and SOLVE ME |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | brain imaging,cerebral blood flow,chronic fatigue syndrome,cognitive dysfunction,cytokines,immune dysfunction,infection,inflammation,myalgic encephalomyelitis,catalysis,molecular biology,spectroscopy,computer science applications,physical and theoretical chemistry,organic chemistry,inorganic chemistry ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1500/1503 |
| Faculty \ School: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School |
| Related URLs: | |
| Depositing User: | LivePure Connector |
| Date Deposited: | 19 May 2026 08:58 |
| Last Modified: | 19 May 2026 08:58 |
| URI: | https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/103085 |
| DOI: | 10.3390/ijms26051896 |
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