Malaria and neurological complications: intersecting mechanisms, disease models, and artificial intelligence-based diagnosis

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INTRODUCTION: In 2022, approximately 608,000 deaths worldwide were attributed to malaria. Beyond its high mortality rates, malaria is responsible for numerous long-lasting complications in survivors, including neurological deficits. Globally, over 1 billion individuals live with various neurological disorders, leading to seven million deaths annually. OBJECTIVE: Overcoming challenges associated with disease modeling and developing advanced techniques to investigate the neurological consequences of malaria are of great importance. Examining the influence of imbalanced gut microbiota and shared genetic factors on malaria progression and specific neurological conditions is advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative and neurocognitive impairments in malaria survivors. Some common molecular mechanisms shared by both malaria and neurological pathologies, including disruptions in the blood-brain barrier, neuroinflammation, and increased amyloid-β (Aβ) levels, have been studied. This review explores the pathogenesis of Plasmodium infection, highlighting molecular events in the intersecting mechanisms of malaria and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The application of artificial intelligence and machine learning-based diagnostic tools is also of interest in this area, as they offer promising solutions for diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION: By elucidating the intersecting mechanisms of malaria and AD, this paper provides valuable insights into early detection methods and potential treatment strategies that may enable effective management of neurodegenerative progression in individuals affected by malaria.