Feb 10 • 16:54 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

Dementia warning as Long Covid 'may trigger changes in brain similar to Alzheimer's'

A new study from NYU Langone Hospital suggests that Long Covid may cause brain changes resembling those seen in Alzheimer's disease.

A recent study conducted by scientists at New York University (NYU) Langone Hospital has uncovered a potential link between Long Covid and alterations in the brain similar to those found in Alzheimer's patients. The research focused on the choroid plexus (CP), a critical structure in the brain responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and maintaining the blood-CSF barrier that protects the brain.

The researchers found that individuals suffering from Long Covid symptoms exhibited a significantly larger CP compared to those who had fully recovered from the virus. Previous studies had already indicated that the Covid-19 virus could inflict damage on the cells lining the blood vessels of the CP. However, this new research expands on that understanding by highlighting how the ongoing effects of Long Covid might lead to brain changes that could have serious implications for cognitive health.

These findings raise alarms about the long-term neurological consequences of Long Covid, particularly the risk of developing dementia-like symptoms as seen in Alzheimer's disease. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic, the study underscores the need for ongoing research into the cognitive implications of Long Covid and potential interventions to support those affected.

📡 Similar Coverage