Scientists in Ireland at Trinity College Dublin and the Science Foundation Ireland center for neurological disease (FutureNeuro) have made a discovery that could explain the cognitive decline and “brain fog” often reported by COVID-19 patients, even after they’ve recovered from the virus.
While the symptoms of long COVID are numerous and sometimes vague, problems with memory and mental fatigue are reported in just under 50% of cases, often lingering for longer than 12 weeks after a patient has recovered from the primary symptoms of the infection.
Using MRI, the research team at Trinity College identified disruptions to the integrity of the blood vessels in the brains of patients experiencing brain fog due to long COVID. When comparing scans from patients who had long COVID but did not report cognitive issues, those with the symptoms displayed a blood vessel “leakiness” in the brain that may explain the cognitive decline.
Specifically, the researchers found that transcriptomic analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in individuals with brain fog indicated dysregulation of the coagulation system and weakened adaptive immune response. The authors of the study hypothesized that persistent inflammation and localized blood-brain barrier dysfunction are central to brain fog seen in long COVID.
The full study findings, as well as details on the contrast-enhanced MRI technique utilized to make the discovery, are published in the journal Nature Neuroscience. [1]
“For the first time, we have been able to show that leaky blood vessels in the human brain, in tandem with a hyperactive immune system may be the key drivers of brain fog associated with long COVID,” study co-author Matthew Cambell, PhD, from both Trinity College and FutureNeuro said in a statement. “This is critically important, as understanding the underlying cause of these conditions will allow us to develop targeted therapies for patients in the future.”
The discovery of blood vessel leakiness and inflammation in the brain has implications beyond understanding COVID. The authors believe this biological response may be seen in patients with other conditions, and it could be evidence of why neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, frequently have an “irritating event” or viral infection that precedes the development of autoimmune symptoms.
The full study is available at the link below.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.