Abstract

The apolipoprotein E gene is involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with at least one copy of APOE e4 gene are vulnerable to AD. Some studies show an association between Alzheimer's gene and higher risk of severe COVID-19. Oxidative stress plays a key role in COVID-19. Since respiratory viral infections are linked to pathophysiological processes such as cytokine production, inflammation, and cell death, they can be associated with a redox imbalance or oxidative stress. Moreover, Low Dose X-Ray Radiation (LDXR) may play a key role in prevention of Alzheimer's disease through mechanisms such as reducing the oxidative stress. In addition, recent studies indicate that low–moderate dose ionizing radiation (LMDIR) can directly ameliorate neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Thus, researchers have suggested that the therapeutic effects of LMDIR in AD might be mediated by its antiinflammatory and neuroprotective effects. By combining these approaches, we believe that low dose radiation therapy (LDRT) can open new horizons in treatment of the elderly patients with the Alzheimer's gene who suffer from severe pneumonia related to COVID-19. As most victims of the COVID-19 are elderly patients, this issue becomes more important. Clinical trials are underway related to using LDXR alone or in combination with one or more drugs/treatment methods in treating COVID-19. The results of these trials should determine the optimum LDRT parameters that can be beneficial for COVID-19 patients. It can be concluded that LDRT might offer a possible treatment protocol for COVID-19 patients with the Alzheimer's gene who need hospitalization and intensive care.

Keywords: Low Dose X-Ray Radiation (LDXR); Alzheimer's disease; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Coronavirus