Cognitive Dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Aetiology and Potential Treatments

Bansal, Amolak Singh, Seton, Katharine A, Brooks, Jonathan CW ORCID: 0000-0003-3335-6209 and Carding, Simon R (2025) Cognitive Dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Aetiology and Potential Treatments INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 26 (5). 1896-. ISSN 1661-6596, 1422-0067

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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
Uncontrolled Keywords:	myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, cognitive dysfunction, infection, inflammation, cytokines, immune dysfunction, cerebral blood flow, brain imaging
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	24 Apr 2025 08:25
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 08:18
DOI:	10.3390/ijms26051896
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051896
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3191543
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