Long COVID and Brain Health: Pharmacists’ Guide
- COVID-19 has impacts beyond the respiratory system, causing lasting changes in the brain even after recovery.
- Long COVID presents a serious and ongoing health challenge, potentially leading to chronic conditions and requiring sustained medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention.
- However, the CDC identifies several groups at higher risk: women, individuals identifying as Hispanic or Latino, those who experienced severe initial illness, people with pre-existing health conditions, and...
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COVID-19 has impacts beyond the respiratory system, causing lasting changes in the brain even after recovery. Using advanced MRI techniques, researchers from Griffith University’s National Center for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Disease found important neurological differences in individuals who had previously been infected compared to those who had never had COVID-19.1,2
Anyone who contracts COVID-19 can develop long COVID. However, the CDC identifies several groups at higher risk: women, individuals identifying as Hispanic or Latino, those who experienced severe initial illness, people with pre-existing health conditions, and those who were not vaccinated against COVID-19. CDC data indicates that while new cases have declined sence the pandemic’s start, long COVID remains a significant public health issue.
Pharmacists’ Role in Recognizing and Addressing Long COVID
Recent research highlights that COVID-19 can cause lasting changes to the brain, even in individuals who believe they have fully recovered. Pharmacists should be aware of these potential long-term neurological effects. Symptoms like brain fog, memory issues, slowed thinking, and persistent fatigue could indicate long COVID.
Pharmacists can educate patients about the wide range of potential COVID-19 impacts, emphasizing that its not solely a respiratory illness. By recognizing ongoing symptoms and improving medication adherence, pharmacists can advocate effectively for patients experiencing lingering neurological effects.