Scientists have found a connection between brain fog in long-COVID patients and leaky blood vessels in their brains. The study, out of Dublin, Ireland finding patients who had suffered COVID were more likely to have the 'leaky' barrier.

Dublin

Scientists may now have identified a potential cause for the long-lasting effects experienced by some COVID-19 survivors, commonly referred to as long COVID. A study conducted in Dublin, Ireland, has discovered a linkage between brain fog, a prevalent symptom amongst long COVID patients, and the permeability of blood vessels within the brain. According to the findings, individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 were observed to have a higher likelihood of possessing a 'leaky' blood-brain barrier.

The implications of this research could be pivotal in understanding the neurological symptoms associated with long COVID. Brain fog, which encompasses issues with concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function, has been a challenging symptom for many to manage, affecting their daily lives. This study provides insight into the possible physiological changes contributing to these prolonged effects, suggesting that the integrity of the blood-brain barrier plays a significant role.



Scientists may now know what is causing long COVID

Scientists out of Dublin, Ireland, have found a connection between brain fog and long COVID patients and leaky blood vessels in their brains. Long COVID symptoms last for weeks, months or years after someone's had an acute infection. Brain fog symptoms include forgetfulness, problems focusing, concentrating and paying attention. I get headaches, my brain will start hurting so easily, and my memory, I can't take a test. Researchers took blood tests and special brain scans of 32 patients who previously had a COVID infection, and of those with long COVID brain fog, they found the blood vessels in the brain were not as strong, more leaky, meaning inflammation. In that group, about half showed mild to moderate issues with, quote, recall, executive functioning and word finding. Trinity College Dublin, where the research took place, shared a video press release to the media. It is applied to people who are suffering from strokes or brain cancer and other neurological disorders. We want to now use this biomarker to identify those who are at risk of developing neurological symptoms of other post-viral illnesses, including long COVID. More studies with far more patients are next. It's a discovery that may be particularly validating for long COVID patients with brain fog, because right now diagnosis can be difficult. Many patients have been told that they're not suffering at all, they need to get back to work, etc. So now we know there's a definite pathological basis for long COVID. This also adds important metrics as scientists look for long COVID treatments and eventually a cure. Right now, neither exist, and doctors only treat symptoms. Lindsay Theis-Scripps News, San Francisco.

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