Suggests
The results of a new scientific research have been published about one of the
potential mechanisms at the biological level that might be responsible for long Covid
– damage to neurons producing dopamine. This information brings new
understanding to why many people suffering from long Covid develop various
neurological and cognitive disorders despite recovery from the primary viral
infection.
“Long Covid” refers to a number of symptoms that continue to appear for several weeks or
even months after suffering from infection due to the coronavirus. Symptoms of such
infection include exhaustion, problems with memory, inability to concentrate that is also
known as “brain fog”
, difficulty falling asleep, anxiety, and depression. Although researchers
have been suspecting for quite some time that infection due to coronavirus may affect the
nervous system, no one managed to find the reason behind that.
However, based on the recent research, chronic inflammation due to coronavirus may
negatively influence neurons producing dopamine – the chemical responsible for controlling
movement, motivation, mood regulation, learning and cognitive functions. It seems like that
mechanism helps to explain why patients are experiencing difficulties with concentration and
motivation, and suffer from mental exhaustion even without any signs of infection.
It should be noted that the authors of the research stressed the experimental nature of the
data obtained and the necessity of additional clinical studies in order to define the extent of
their correspondence to processes taking place in the patients with long Covid.
Nevertheless, the results are of significant value for further investigation of methods of
protection and restoration of the brain function.
According to the opinions of medical specialists, this discovery is a good proof of the fact
that long Covid should be considered as a complicated medical condition rather than an
after-effect of the infection. It also emphasizes the necessity of constant monitoring,
rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary treatment of patients suffering from the consequences of
long Covid.
By means of further studying of the consequences of the coronavirus disease on the brain
functions, researches can come nearer to uncovering the biological basis of long Covid. This
discovery can contribute to the development of targeted treatment methods.
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