A breakthrough discovery by an Irish research team sheds light on the mechanisms causing “brain fog” in long COVID patients. Published in Nature Neuroscience, the study identifies disruptions in the blood-brain barrier and an overactive immune system as likely culprits behind persistent cognitive issues in long COVID.
Brain fog, reported in nearly 50% of long COVID patients, was investigated using blood samples and brain MRI scans. Analysis revealed higher levels of the brain cell-produced protein S100β in patients with brain fog, indicating a compromised blood-brain barrier. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI scans further confirmed a leaky blood-brain barrier in long COVID patients with brain fog.
The study, led by genetics professor Matthew Campbell at Trinity College Dublin, marks a significant step in understanding and treating post-viral neurologic conditions. Campbell emphasizes the importance of targeted therapies, stating that unraveling the underlying causes is crucial for future advancements in treatment.
Colin Doherty, MD, a study coauthor and head of the school of medicine at Trinity College, anticipates a paradigm shift in the understanding and treatment of post-viral neurologic conditions. The study not only confirms measurable metabolic and vascular changes in the brain but also suggests broader implications for post-viral syndromes.
Stay informed as researchers delve into the implications of these findings, potentially revolutionizing the approach to long COVID-related neurological symptoms.
