COVID Persistent Changes: Madrid Hospital Study Finds Brain Alterations
- A multidisciplinary team of researchers has established a direct link between cognitive, cerebral, and immunological alterations in patients with persistent COVID-19 and an increase in the volume of...
- This translates to 77 to 144 million patients worldwide, with over two million in Spain.
- The research "revealed an increase in the volume of the choroid plexus in people with persistent COVID compared with healthy patients in the study.
COVID-19 Persistent: Brain changes Linked too Cognitive Issues
Table of Contents
- COVID-19 Persistent: Brain changes Linked too Cognitive Issues
- Long COVID and Brain Changes: Q&A on Cognitive Issues and the Choroid Plexus
- What is the link between long COVID and cognitive impairment?
- What is the choroid plexus, and what does it do?
- How are changes in the choroid plexus linked to cognitive issues in long COVID?
- How common is long COVID, and who is most affected?
- What are the underlying mechanisms of these brain changes?
- What does this research mean for treatments for long COVID?
- Key Findings at a Glance
A multidisciplinary team of researchers has established a direct link between cognitive, cerebral, and immunological alterations in patients with persistent COVID-19 and an increase in the volume of the choroid plexus. The choroid plexus are structures in the brain with functions including the production of cerebrospinal fluid and the transport of molecules in the central nervous system.The research results have been published in
‘Molecular Psychiatry’.
The World health Institution (WHO) estimates that between 10% and 20% of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 have developed or will develop persistent COVID-19.
This translates to 77 to 144 million patients worldwide, with over two million in Spain. Two-thirds of these two million patients are women, aged between 35 and 55 years.
research Findings on COVID-19 and Brain Structure
The research “revealed an increase in the volume of the choroid plexus in people with persistent COVID compared with healthy patients in the study. This increase was also associated with cognitive dysfunctions and brain changes, both structural and functional,” explained Jordi Matías-Guiu Antem, a neurologist.
Research Focus
The study, titled ‘Choroid plexus volume is enlarged in long COVID and associated with cognitive and brain changes,’ is the result of a collaboration between specialists in Neurology, Radiology, and Immunology. It is part of an established line of research on the study of symptoms associated with persistent COVID and the design of treatments.
these findings suggest “that the integrity of the choroid plexus could play a relevant role in the pathophysiology of the cognitive deficits and in the brain changes observed in people with persistent COVID, since the previously documented function of the choroid plexus in maintaining brain homeostasis and in regulating the entry of immune cells to the brain supports the presence of neuroinflammatory mechanisms in this disorder,” explains María Díez Cirarda, a neuropsychologist. She adds that this discovery “is relevant for the knowledge of the mechanisms associated with neurological problems in persistent COVID.”
the underlying mechanisms of these cognitive and cerebral alterations remain unknown, but neuroinflammation and immunological mechanisms have been primarily considered. ”In our study, the volume of the choroid plexus has been proposed as a
marker of neuroinflammation in conditions mediated by the immune system. Neurological involvement is
increasingly recognized, but there are still questions about the mechanism, and these results are novel as they bring us closer to a potential mechanism that explains
that neurological damage,” concludes Matias-guiu Antem.
Long COVID and Brain Changes: Q&A on Cognitive Issues and the Choroid Plexus
Long COVID, also known as post-COVID condition (PCC), continues too impact millions worldwide. A critically importent concern is the persistence of cognitive issues, such as brain fog and memory problems, in those affected. Recent research has shed light on a potential link between these cognitive impairments and changes in the brain structure, specifically the choroid plexus. This Q&A explores these findings in detail.
What is the link between long COVID and cognitive impairment?
Recent research has established a direct link between cognitive, cerebral, and immunological alterations in patients with persistent COVID-19 and an increase in the volume of the choroid plexus. The researchers revealed an increase in the volume of the choroid plexus in peopel with persistent COVID compared with healthy patients in the study. This increase was also associated with cognitive dysfunctions and brain changes, both structural and functional.
What is the choroid plexus, and what does it do?
The choroid plexus is a structure in the brain responsible for:
Producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): CSF cushions the brain and spinal cord, removes waste products, and helps maintain a stable chemical environment.
Transporting molecules in the central nervous system: The choroid plexus acts as a selective barrier, controlling the movement of substances between the blood and the brain.
* Maintaining brain homeostasis
How are changes in the choroid plexus linked to cognitive issues in long COVID?
The study shows that an increased volume of the choroid plexus in individuals with long COVID is associated with both cognitive dysfunctions and structural and functional changes in the brain. It is indeed proposed that the integrity of the choroid plexus could play a relevant role in the pathophysiology of the cognitive deficits and in the brain changes observed in people with persistent COVID. The mechanism is still under investigation, however the volume of the choroid plexus has been proposed as a marker of neuroinflammation in conditions mediated by the immune system.
How common is long COVID, and who is most affected?
The World Health Association (WHO) estimates that 10% to 20% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 may develop long COVID. This translates to a significant number of individuals globally. The research indicates that of those affected with long COVID, two-thirds are women, aged between 35 and 55 years.
What are the underlying mechanisms of these brain changes?
While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, neuroinflammation and immunological mechanisms are considered primary factors. The study suggests that the volume of the choroid plexus could serve as a marker of neuroinflammation in immune-mediated conditions like long COVID. Neurological involvement is increasingly recognized, and these findings bring us closer to understanding the potential mechanisms behind neurological damage.
What does this research mean for treatments for long COVID?
This discovery “is relevant for the knowledge of the mechanisms associated with neurological problems in persistent COVID.” The study is part of an established line of research on the study of symptoms associated with persistent COVID and the design of treatments. By identifying potential biomarkers like changes in the choroid plexus volume, future treatments might potentially be more targeted and effective in addressing the neurological symptoms of long COVID.
Key Findings at a Glance
| Finding | Details |
| :——————————- | :——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Choroid Plexus Volume | Enlarged in long COVID patients compared to healthy individuals. |
| Cognitive Dysfunction | Increased choroid plexus volume is associated with cognitive deficits. |
| Brain Changes | Structural and functional brain changes are observed in conjunction with enlarged choroid plexus volume.|
| Potential Mechanisms | Neuroinflammation and immune system responses are implicated as potential drivers. |