DUBLIN, Ireland – A team of scientists from Trinity College Dublin and investigators from FutureNeuro have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding Long COVID and the cognitive decline experienced by some patients. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of brain fog and its connection to Long COVID.
Ever since the emergence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV2 in late 2019, a syndrome known as Long COVID has been recognized as a persistent manifestation of acute infection. Long COVID presents with up to 200 reported symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, memory problems, and joint/muscle pain. While most COVID-19 patients fully recover, those experiencing lingering symptoms for more than 12 weeks post-infection can be diagnosed with Long COVID.
The team’s research, published in the prestigious journal Nature Neuroscience, revealed that patients with Long COVID and brain fog exhibit a disruption in the integrity of the blood vessels in their brains. This “leakiness” of the blood vessels is a distinguishing factor for patients suffering from cognitive decline associated with Long COVID.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin further identified a novel form of MRI scan that visualizes how Long COVID affects the delicate network of blood vessels in the human brain. This critical discovery sheds light on the underlying causes of the neurological symptoms associated with Long COVID, providing a foundation for the development of targeted therapies in the future.
The project, initiated with a grant funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) during the height of the pandemic in 2020, involved the recruitment of Long COVID patients and hospitalized individuals at St James’ Hospital. This complex clinical study was undertaken amidst a national crisis, showcasing the skill and resourcefulness of the medical trainees and staff involved.
Beyond the implications for COVID-19, the findings are also significant for the understanding and treatment of post-viral neurological conditions. Prof. Matthew Campbell, a Genetics Professor at Trinity and Principal Investigator at FutureNeuro, emphasized the potential game-changing impact of this research on post-viral syndromes.
This unprecedented research has paved the way for further studies to examine the molecular events leading to post-viral fatigue and brain fog. Dr. Chris Greene, a Postdoctoral research fellow and first author of the study, highlighted the potential implications for neurological dysfunction across various types of viral infections.
Supported by Science Foundation Ireland, the European Research Council, and FutureNeuro, the research provides crucial insights into the neurological implications of Long COVID. The published journal article in Nature Neuroscience offers in-depth analysis and findings for those interested in delving into the details of this groundbreaking discovery.