COVID-19 has shown itself to be more than just a respiratory virus since it first surfaced in 2019. It has caused a bewildering range of neurological effects in addition to the early symptoms of coughing and breathing difficulties. Of these, “brain fog” has become a prevalent and enduring complaint, typified by cognitive challenges like disorientation, forgetfulness, and reduced focus.
With the evolution of the pandemic, so too have our understanding of the virus’s effects on the brain. Leading researcher Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly has been in the forefront of examining these consequences. His research illuminates the complex ways that COVID-19 interacts with the brain.
Fog in the brain is only the beginning. A wide range of neurological symptoms, from headaches and sleep issues to more serious ailments including stroke and seizure disorders, have been linked to COVID-19. The intricate interactions between the virus and the central nervous system are suggested by these many symptoms.
Research comparing people with and without COVID-19 has shown that there are significant disparities in cognitive function; those who have the virus have lower IQs and less capacity for cognitive processing. Cognitive impairments have been connected to even mild cases of COVID-19, raising questions about the long-term effects on brain health.
Following COVID-19 infection, structural modifications to the brain have also been noted, including decreases in brain volume and modifications to its structure. These alterations, which are similar to faster brain aging, highlight the virus’s significant effects on neurological function.
COVID-19 causes inflammation in the brain at the cellular level, which interferes with regular physiological functions and reduces cognitive ability. The virus has the ability to weaken the blood-brain barrier, which increases the risk of neuroinflammation and lets dangerous compounds into the brain.
Significantly, these effects last long after the virus has left the body, continuing well after the acute stage of illness. The sneaky nature of COVID-19 is highlighted by the possibility of long-lasting cognitive deficits even in those with mild or asymptomatic cases.
Furthermore, connections between COVID-19 and neurodegenerative conditions including dementia have been found in recent research, which raises questions regarding the possible long-term effects on brain health. Furthermore, the advent of novel variations like delta and omicron has presented further difficulties, as data indicates that cognitive impairments continue regardless of the kind of virus.
Wide-ranging effects of COVID-19-related cognitive impairment include diminished ability to function in daily life, lower educational attainment, and lower economic production. Particularly younger persons seem to be disproportionately impacted, which suggests that future generations may bear a heavier load.
Researchers, medical professionals, and legislators must work together to address the long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain health. In order to determine preventative and intervention measures and to monitor the course of cognitive impairment over time, longitudinal studies are required.
Beyond the usual respiratory problems, COVID-19 brought a number of strange symptoms with it when it first appeared in 2019. “Brain fog” is one of the most perplexing ones; it’s like having a cloudy head that makes it difficult to concentrate, recall details, or think clearly.
Though the virus has evolved over time, brain fog—which can persist for months or even years after the original illness—remains a typical complaint among COVID sufferers. Researchers have been hard at work trying to determine exactly what this virus does to our brains and how to treat it.
Top VA St. Louis Health Care System researcher Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly recently discussed his research on COVID and the brain with Quirks & Quarks with Bob McDonald. This is what they discussed.
Could you explain the impact of COVID-19 on the brain?
Brain fog, also known as mental haziness, is a common condition among COVID-19 patients that makes it difficult to retain details or think straight. In addition, people are presenting with headaches, insomnia, mini-strokes, and even tingling in their limbs. Rarely, seizure disorders are also a factor in some cases. Thus, COVID is causing a variety of mental health issues.
Does COVID actually affect how our brains function?
Indeed, research comparing individuals with and without COVID-19 revealed considerable variations in participants’ IQs and cognitive capacities. An even mild case of COVID-19 can reduce your IQ by roughly three points. However, most of these investigations were conducted in the early stages of the epidemic, before effective therapies or vaccines were available. Furthermore, it’s yet unclear if these cognitive problems are permanent.
How about the aging of the brain?
Some COVID-19 patients exhibit evidence of accelerated brain aging, as if their brains have aged by seven years or more. We do, however, hope that these effects are temporary. Although our brains can heal themselves over time, the extent to which this is possible is currently unknown to us.
How does the virus enter our brains through the respiratory system?
It appears that the virus causes inflammation in the brain, which leads to a variety of issues. Important brain chemicals like serotonin and cortisol are disrupted, which has an impact on how well our brains function. Furthermore, it may cause the barrier that separates our brains from the outside world to become porous.
In what ways does this alter when the virus mutates?
With improved treatments and immunizations, the overall effect of long-term COVID appears to be decreasing. However, this does not imply that COVID is safe. Though not to the same extent as formerly, we are nevertheless seeing patients with severe brain disorders as a result of it.
Are these COVID-specific brain effects exclusive?
The most startling thing about COVID was how many various ways it might negatively impact our health over time. Similar to how people experienced a variety of issues following the Spanish flu, such as headaches and mental fog. We now know that there is much more to be concerned about than simply the current illness as a result of this pandemic.
The extent to which COVID affects our brains has been demonstrated by recent research. It can cause memory loss, reduce the size of our brains, and even hasten the aging process. Furthermore, minor COVID can also result in cognitive problems and lower IQs; these effects are not limited to severe cases.