Long COVID Fatigue Linked to Brain Damage in New Study

Topic: Health

Researchers at CAMH found that long COVID is associated with damage to dopamine-releasing neurons in the brain. This could explain persistent problems like fatigue, slower movement, and memory difficulties. The study suggests a new approach to treating long COVID.

A team of scientists from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has made an important discovery about long COVID. They used a special imaging technique called positron emission tomography (PET) to look at brain activity in people with long COVID.

The researchers found that people with long COVID had lower levels of a marker associated with healthy dopamine neurons. Dopamine is a chemical that helps us feel motivated and move our bodies. The striatum, a group of brain regions, was affected the most.

Different areas of the striatum were linked to different symptoms. For example, lower levels in one area were connected to greater loss of motivation. In another area, reductions were associated with slower movement. Memory difficulties were also linked to changes in this marker.

This study builds on earlier research that showed high levels of inflammation in the brain of people with long COVID. The new findings suggest a possible connection between persistent brain inflammation and damage involving the dopamine system.

The researchers believe their results could change how we approach treating long COVID. They think that medications that help dopamine neurons might be effective in reducing symptoms.

Why It Matters

Long COVID affects millions of people worldwide, including about two million Canadians. Understanding what causes its symptoms is crucial for developing new treatments and improving the lives of those affected.

Key Facts

• The study was led by researchers at CAMH and published in eBioMedicine.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) is a special imaging technique that measures biological activity inside the brain.
• Dopamine is a chemical that helps us feel motivated and move our bodies.
• Long COVID affects about five percent of the global population, including two million Canadians.
• The study suggests that medications that help dopamine neurons might be effective in reducing symptoms.

Key Terms

Dopamine

A chemical that helps us feel motivated and move our bodies.

Implications

Long COVID affects millions of people worldwide, including about two million Canadians. Understanding what causes its symptoms is crucial for developing new treatments and improving the lives of those affected.