Scientists have claimed that leakiness in the brain could be blamed for memory and concentration problems people generally experience during long Covid. These symptoms occur when the blood-brain barrier gets damaged and becomes ‘leaky.’ The blood-brain barrier controls what enters and exits the brain.

“It’s all about regulating a balance of material in blood compared to brain,” said Prof Matthew Campbell, co-author of the research at Trinity College Dublin.

“If that is off balance then it can drive changes in neural function and if this happens in brain regions that allow for memory consolidation/storage then it can wreak havoc,” he adds.

Campbell and his colleagues published the findings in the journal Nature Neuroscience after analysing serum and plasma samples from 76 patients who were hospitalised with Covid in March or April 2020 as well as 25 people before the pandemic.

<h2>Protein S100β</h2>

The team made several discoveries, notably finding increased levels of the protein S100β in samples from 14 Covid patients who reported brain fog compared to those without this symptom.

S100β, typically confined to brain cells, appeared in the blood of these patients, indicating a problem with the blood-brain barrier.

Subsequently, the researchers enlisted 10 Covid-recovered individuals and 22 long Covid patients, including 11 with brain fog, none of whom had received a Covid vaccine or been hospitalised.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj_392AqPiEAxVVZmwGHZ8rAwwQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/measurable-impact-of-brain-fog-linked-to-long-covid-study-695157" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/measurable-impact-of-brain-fog-linked-to-long-covid-study-695157&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_392AqPiEAxVVZmwGHZ8rAwwQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Measurable impact of `brain fog` linked to long Covid: Study</a>

Following MRI scans with intravenous dye, it was confirmed that long Covid patients experiencing brain fog had their blood-brain barrier leaky, unlike those without this symptom.

Campbell speculated that individuals with a more intact blood-brain barrier might be less susceptible to brain fog during long Covid.

<h2>Results not surprising</h2>

Campbell said the results were not surprising as disruptions to proteins involved in clotting could go hand in hand with disruption to cells that lined blood vessels. “The whole concept that a lot of these neurological conditions, including brain fog, could be treated by simply regulating the integrity of the blood-brain barrier is really exciting,” he said.

In an earlier study, scientists had speculated that blood clots in the brain may be causing brain fog in people with long Covid. Prof Paul Harrison from the University of Oxford, an author of earlier work, acknowledged that the new study was important.

“It shows that abnormalities in the lining of blood vessels in the brain occur in people with post-Covid brain fog, and adds to the evidence that abnormal blood clotting also contributes,” he was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have claimed that leakiness in the brain could be blamed for memory and concentration problems people generally experience during long Covid. These symptoms occur when the blood-brain barrier gets damaged and becomes ‘leaky.

Scientists have claimed that leakiness in the brain could be blamed for memory and concentration problems people generally experience during long Covid. These symptoms occur when the blood-brain barrier gets damaged and becomes ‘leaky.’ The blood-brain barrier controls what enters and exits the brain. “It’s all about regulating a balance of material in blood compared to brain,” said Prof Matthew Campbell, co-author of the research at Trinity College Dublin. “If that is off balance then it can drive changes in neural function and if this happens in brain regions that allow for memory consolidation/storage then it can wreak havoc,” he adds. Campbell and his colleagues published the findings in the journal Nature Neuroscience after analysing serum and plasma samples from 76 patients who were hospitalised with Covid in March or April 2020 as well as 25 people before the pandemic. Protein S100β The team made several discoveries, notably finding increased levels of the protein S100β in samples from 14 Covid patients who reported brain fog compared to those without this symptom. S100β, typically confined to brain cells, appeared in the blood of these patients, indicating a problem with the blood-brain barrier. Subsequently, the researchers enlisted 10 Covid-recovered individuals and 22 long Covid patients, including 11 with brain fog, none of whom had received a Covid vaccine or been hospitalised. Also read: Measurable impact of `brain fog` linked to long Covid: Study Following MRI scans with intravenous dye, it was confirmed that long Covid patients experiencing brain fog had their blood-brain barrier leaky, unlike those without this symptom. Campbell speculated that individuals with a more intact blood-brain barrier might be less susceptible to brain fog during long Covid. Results not surprising Campbell said the results were not surprising as disruptions to proteins involved in clotting could go hand in hand with disruption to cells that lined blood vessels. “The whole concept that a lot of these neurological conditions, including brain fog, could be treated by simply regulating the integrity of the blood-brain barrier is really exciting,” he said. In an earlier study, scientists had speculated that blood clots in the brain may be causing brain fog in people with long Covid. Prof Paul Harrison from the University of Oxford, an author of earlier work, acknowledged that the new study was important. “It shows that abnormalities in the lining of blood vessels in the brain occur in people with post-Covid brain fog, and adds to the evidence that abnormal blood clotting also contributes,” he was quoted as saying by the Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

Leakiness in brain may be causing ‘brain fog’ experienced during long Covid: Study

New research suggests that brain fog experienced by individuals with long Covid may be linked to leaky blood vessels. Scientists suggest that coronavirus disrupts a person's blood-brain barrier, which could be a potential cause of the cognitive issues seen in those with long Covid.

<h2>The research</h2>

A team from Trinity College Dublin and FutureNeuro, a research centre, examined serum and plasma samples from 76 individuals hospitalised with COVID-19 in March or April 2020. In addition, they analysed the samples from 25 people before the pandemic.

Their findings, which have been published in Nature Neuroscience, revealed that individuals with long COVID who exhibited blood-brain barrier leaks experienced brain fog. On the other hand, those without the said disruptions did not.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/rising-cases-of-silent-heart-attacks-linked-to-long-covid-wion-decodes-687662">Rising cases of silent heart attacks linked to long Covid? WION decodes</a>

Professor Matthew Campbell, a geneticist and head of genetics at Trinity, who contributed to the study said that "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."

"This is critically important, as understanding the underlying cause of these conditions will allow us to develop targeted therapies for patients in the future," he added, as quoted by Sky News.

In their report, the researchers highlighted that "disruption" is apparent during "acute infection and in patients with long COVID with cognitive impairment." Still, they noted that it remains unclear how function is affected in these conditions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/people-with-long-covid-shouldnt-undertake-intense-exercise-study-676565">People with long Covid shouldn't undertake intense exercise: Study</a>

Previously, a study from University College London noted that blood vessel leakage into surrounding tissues is common in numerous inflammatory diseases.

Professor Colin Doherty, a neurology expert and head of the school of medicine at Trinity, who was not part of the study, suggests that the study results will "now likely change the landscape of how we understand and treat post-viral neurological conditions".

"It also confirms that the neurological symptoms of long COVID are measurable with real and demonstrable metabolic and vascular changes in the brain," he added.

Watch |&nbsp;Covid study: Indians suffer more lung damage post recovery, worst-hit by Covid after-effects

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<h2>What is long covid?</h2>

Individuals with persistent symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty breathing, memory and cognitive issues, as well as joint and muscle pain lasting more than 12 weeks after infection, can be classified as having long COVID.

According to the Office for National Statistics, as of March last year, an estimated 1.9 million people in the UK living in private households, accounting for 2.9 per cent of the population, were experiencing self-reported long COVID.

(With inputs from agencies)

New research suggests that brain fog experienced by individuals with long Covid may be linked to leaky blood vessels. Scientists suggest that coronavirus disrupts a person's blood-brain barrier, which could be a potential cause of the cognitive issues seen in those with long Covid.

New research suggests that brain fog experienced by individuals with long Covid may be linked to leaky blood vessels. Scientists suggest that coronavirus disrupts a person's blood-brain barrier, which could be a potential cause of the cognitive issues seen in those with long Covid. The research A team from Trinity College Dublin and FutureNeuro, a research centre, examined serum and plasma samples from 76 individuals hospitalised with COVID-19 in March or April 2020. In addition, they analysed the samples from 25 people before the pandemic. Their findings, which have been published in Nature Neuroscience, revealed that individuals with long COVID who exhibited blood-brain barrier leaks experienced brain fog. On the other hand, those without the said disruptions did not. Also read | Rising cases of silent heart attacks linked to long Covid? WION decodes Professor Matthew Campbell, a geneticist and head of genetics at Trinity, who contributed to the study said that "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." "This is critically important, as understanding the underlying cause of these conditions will allow us to develop targeted therapies for patients in the future," he added, as quoted by Sky News. In their report, the researchers highlighted that "disruption" is apparent during "acute infection and in patients with long COVID with cognitive impairment." Still, they noted that it remains unclear how function is affected in these conditions. Also read | People with long Covid shouldn't undertake intense exercise: Study Previously, a study from University College London noted that blood vessel leakage into surrounding tissues is common in numerous inflammatory diseases. Professor Colin Doherty, a neurology expert and head of the school of medicine at Trinity, who was not part of the study, suggests that the study results will "now likely change the landscape of how we understand and treat post-viral neurological conditions". "It also confirms that the neurological symptoms of long COVID are measurable with real and demonstrable metabolic and vascular changes in the brain," he added. Watch | Covid study: Indians suffer more lung damage post recovery, worst-hit by Covid after-effects × What is long covid? Individuals with persistent symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty breathing, memory and cognitive issues, as well as joint and muscle pain lasting more than 12 weeks after infection, can be classified as having long COVID. According to the Office for National Statistics, as of March last year, an estimated 1.9 million people in the UK living in private households, accounting for 2.9 per cent of the population, were experiencing self-reported long COVID. (With inputs from agencies)

Research finds connection between long Covid brain fog and leaky blood vessels

The lingering effects of COVID-19, commonly referred to as "long Covid," continue to pose a significant challenge to the affected individuals even after two years since their initial infection.

A <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(23)00263-8/fulltext">study</a> conducted by King's College London delves into the impact of COVID-19 on memory and cognitive function, highlighting the prevalence of brain fog symptoms in people experiencing prolonged Covid-related symptoms for more than three months, reported the Guardian.

<h2>Cognitive impairment lingers for years after infection</h2>

The research involved over 5,100 participants from the Covid&nbsp;Symptom Study Biobank, who were recruited through a smartphone app. The study measured cognitive function through 12 tests, evaluating factors like working memory, attention, reasoning, and motor control during two distinct periods in 2021 and 2022.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-deleted-mortality-data-that-couldve-revealed-heavy-death-toll-report-617253">COVID-19: China deletes mortality data that offered a peek into impact of its pandemic policies</a>

<h2>Brain fog and its severity</h2>

In the initial cohort of 3,335 participants examined in July and August 2021, individuals who tested positive for Covid&nbsp;exhibited lower cognitive scores, with the most significant deficits observed in those experiencing symptoms for more than 12 weeks.

The impact of these deficits on cognitive function was found to be equivalent to ageing approximately 10 years or experiencing mild to moderate psychological distress.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-positive-but-no-symptoms-it-could-be-in-your-genes-heres-how-617597">Covid positive but no symptoms? The reason probably lies in your genes. Here's how</a>

<h2>Comparing the effects</h2>

While the cognitive decline associated with long Covid was noteworthy, it proved to be less severe than other factors like lower educational attainment or persistent fatigue levels beyond the threshold.

This observation highlights the complexity of long Covid's effects on different aspects of an individual's well-being.

The study revealed a concerning trend where individuals who tested positive for&nbsp;COVID-19 and experienced symptoms for more than three months displayed the highest cognitive impairment.

These cognitive difficulties persisted even nine months after the initial infection, indicating the long-lasting impact on mental faculties.

A glimmer of hope emerged from the research, as individuals who reported a full recovery from COVID-19, regardless of the duration of their symptoms, did not display any cognitive impairment.

This finding suggests that complete recovery from&nbsp;COVID-19 could be associated with restored cognitive function.

Also watch |&nbsp;What causes asymptomatic COVID-19 infection?

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<h2>Addressing the challenges</h2>

Despite significant advancements in understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19, more research is needed to comprehend why some individuals continue to experience brain fog and cognitive difficulties even two years after their initial infection.

Researchers emphasise the necessity of monitoring individuals with the most affected brain function to provide targeted support for their recovery.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The lingering effects of COVID-19, commonly referred to as "long Covid," continue to pose a significant challenge to the affected individuals even after two years since their initial infection.

The lingering effects of COVID-19, commonly referred to as "long Covid," continue to pose a significant challenge to the affected individuals even after two years since their initial infection. A study conducted by King's College London delves into the impact of COVID-19 on memory and cognitive function, highlighting the prevalence of brain fog symptoms in people experiencing prolonged Covid-related symptoms for more than three months, reported the Guardian. Cognitive impairment lingers for years after infection The research involved over 5,100 participants from the Covid Symptom Study Biobank, who were recruited through a smartphone app. The study measured cognitive function through 12 tests, evaluating factors like working memory, attention, reasoning, and motor control during two distinct periods in 2021 and 2022. Also read | COVID-19: China deletes mortality data that offered a peek into impact of its pandemic policies Brain fog and its severity In the initial cohort of 3,335 participants examined in July and August 2021, individuals who tested positive for Covid exhibited lower cognitive scores, with the most significant deficits observed in those experiencing symptoms for more than 12 weeks. The impact of these deficits on cognitive function was found to be equivalent to ageing approximately 10 years or experiencing mild to moderate psychological distress. Also read | Covid positive but no symptoms? The reason probably lies in your genes. Here's how Comparing the effects While the cognitive decline associated with long Covid was noteworthy, it proved to be less severe than other factors like lower educational attainment or persistent fatigue levels beyond the threshold. This observation highlights the complexity of long Covid's effects on different aspects of an individual's well-being. The study revealed a concerning trend where individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 and experienced symptoms for more than three months displayed the highest cognitive impairment. These cognitive difficulties persisted even nine months after the initial infection, indicating the long-lasting impact on mental faculties. A glimmer of hope emerged from the research, as individuals who reported a full recovery from COVID-19, regardless of the duration of their symptoms, did not display any cognitive impairment. This finding suggests that complete recovery from COVID-19 could be associated with restored cognitive function. Also watch | What causes asymptomatic COVID-19 infection? Addressing the challenges Despite significant advancements in understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19, more research is needed to comprehend why some individuals continue to experience brain fog and cognitive difficulties even two years after their initial infection. Researchers emphasise the necessity of monitoring individuals with the most affected brain function to provide targeted support for their recovery. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Covid's 'brain fog' equals 10 years of ageing: Study reveals long-term impact

A study has found that severe Covid infection&nbsp;can damage nerve cells in the brain, leading to memory problems and confusion. It can also lead to long-term health issues, researchers have said. Scientists at King’s College London found that a wayward immune response to the virus increased the death rate of neurons and had a “profound” impact on regeneration in the hippocampus region of the brain, which is crucial for learning and memory, reported The Guardian.&nbsp;

The study indicates that even if the virus does not infect the brain, it can trigger neurological problems, causing issues like delirium and brain fog, especially in people suffering from long Covid.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-long-covid-linked-to-suicide-scientists-warn-of-a-hidden-crisis-514126">Is long Covid linked to suicide? Scientists warn of a hidden crisis</a>

“These neurological symptoms are very concerning for patients and their families, and the hope is that our research can help identify which treatments would be most appropriate to lessen or prevent these symptoms,” said Carmine Pariante, a professor of biological psychiatry at KCL’s Institute of Psychiatry, and senior author of&nbsp;the study.

After testing the blood samples of 36 Covid patients, it was found that the levels of a protein called IL-6, which immune cells release as warning for other immune cells, were more than 15 times higher than normal in infected individuals. But the rise was six times higher than other Covid patients in those with delirium, a state of extreme confusion that can leave people not knowing who, or where, they are. Delirium is a common fallout of Covid in nearly one-third of Covid patients admitted to hospitals.

“We believe these proteins are responsible for the delirium symptoms in acute Covid patients, and in general in long Covid patients experiencing neurological symptoms,” Dr Alessandra Borsini, the study’s first author, said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/women-are-significantly-more-likely-than-men-to-get-long-covid-study-490535">Women are significantly more likely than men to get long Covid: Study</a>

The researchers then studied the impact of IL-6 on neurons and found that blood from patients with delirium increased the normal death rate of neurons and reduced the generation of new brain cells. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A study has found that severe Covid infection can damage nerve cells in the brain, leading to memory problems and confusion. It can also lead to long-term health issues, researchers have said.

A study has found that severe Covid infection can damage nerve cells in the brain, leading to memory problems and confusion. It can also lead to long-term health issues, researchers have said. Scientists at King’s College London found that a wayward immune response to the virus increased the death rate of neurons and had a “profound” impact on regeneration in the hippocampus region of the brain, which is crucial for learning and memory, reported The Guardian. The study indicates that even if the virus does not infect the brain, it can trigger neurological problems, causing issues like delirium and brain fog, especially in people suffering from long Covid. Also Read | Is long Covid linked to suicide? Scientists warn of a hidden crisis “These neurological symptoms are very concerning for patients and their families, and the hope is that our research can help identify which treatments would be most appropriate to lessen or prevent these symptoms,” said Carmine Pariante, a professor of biological psychiatry at KCL’s Institute of Psychiatry, and senior author of the study. After testing the blood samples of 36 Covid patients, it was found that the levels of a protein called IL-6, which immune cells release as warning for other immune cells, were more than 15 times higher than normal in infected individuals. But the rise was six times higher than other Covid patients in those with delirium, a state of extreme confusion that can leave people not knowing who, or where, they are. Delirium is a common fallout of Covid in nearly one-third of Covid patients admitted to hospitals. “We believe these proteins are responsible for the delirium symptoms in acute Covid patients, and in general in long Covid patients experiencing neurological symptoms,” Dr Alessandra Borsini, the study’s first author, said. Also Read | Women are significantly more likely than men to get long Covid: Study The researchers then studied the impact of IL-6 on neurons and found that blood from patients with delirium increased the normal death rate of neurons and reduced the generation of new brain cells. (With inputs from agencies)

Those with severe Covid might suffer from brain problems, says study

The after-effects of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection have been immense. People have reported neurological symptoms, including difficulty thinking or concentrating.

The after-effects of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection have been immense. People have reported neurological symptoms, including difficulty thinking or concentrating. There have been reports of headaches, sleep problems, dizziness, pins-and-needles feeling, loss of smell or taste and depression, etc. But the question is, why do some people have lingering effects from infection? Why does Covid infection sometimes result in an inability to sleep as well as "brain fog"? The scientists at the US National Institutes of Health have published a small new study that attempts to answer these questions. The study suggests that the immune response triggered by Covid infections damages the brain's blood vessels and could be responsible for long Covid symptoms. The paper was published in the journal Brain. The findings are based on brain autopsies from nine people who died suddenly after contracting the virus. The team found it was the people's own antibodies that attacked the cells lining the brain's blood vessels, causing inflammation and damage. It is said that this particular discovery could explain why some people have those lingering effects from infection and the findings may also help devise new treatments for long Covid. "Patients often develop neurological complications with COVID-19, but the underlying pathophysiological process is not well understood," said NIH scientist Avindra Nath, who is the paper's senior author. In the statement, he further added, "We had previously shown blood vessel damage and inflammation in patients' brains at autopsy, but we didn't understand the cause of the damage. I think in this paper we've gained important insight into the cascade of events." More about the study After analysing reports of nine individuals, aged 24 to 73, the scientists discovered that antibodies produced against Covid-19 mistakenly targeted cells that form the "blood-brain barrier". It is understood that damage to these cells can cause leakage of proteins, bleeding and clots, which elevates the risk of stroke. The leaks also trigger immune cells called macrophages to rush to the site to repair damage, causing inflammation. Normal cellular processes in the areas targeted by the attack were severely disrupted, it was found. It had implications for things such as their ability to de-toxify and to regulate metabolism. Most importantly, the latest findings can help the experts and scientists to study more about patients with long-term neurological symptoms. There are possibilities that new treatments can be developed, such as a drug that targets the build-up of antibodies on the blood-brain barrier. Nath said, "It is quite possible that this same immune response persists in Long COVID patients resulting in neuronal injury." He added that this would mean that a drug that dials down that immune response could help those patients. He said, "So these findings have very important therapeutic implications." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

What causes Covid brain fog? This study has answer; may help devise new treatments for long Covid

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