A new study fro the United Kingdom found that Long COVID might damage brain cells. Could that explain the behavior of increasing aggressive humans all across the country and around the world?
Comparing brain volume before and after individuals were exposed to SARS-CoV-2, this study documents significant cortical gray matter loss, equivalent to nearly 10 years of aging. Individuals that experienced mild or no symptoms with Covid-19 displayed significant changes, but cortical damage seems to occur regardless of disease severity, age, or sex.
The UK BioBank provided pre-pandemic brain scans from 785 individuals that were used as a baseline for normal size and structure relative to each participant. About three years later, in May 2021, the same population of participants returned for new brain scans. A total of, 401 individuals were infected with Covid-19 between scans and the remaining served as controls.
Between the first and second brain scans, individuals previously infected with Covid-19 experienced a 0.7% reduction in overall cortical gray matter on average, compared to the control group. To put that into perspective, people middle aged and beyond only lose 0.2% to 0.3% of brain volume per year. Recent studies suggest that 86% of individuals exposed to the virus may experience partial or complete loss of smell. The nose is close to the brain, it is possible that losing the sense of smell may be linked to other neurological damage.
The largest differences, in brain shrinkage, were seen in the regions that play an important role in the hippocampus memory system, so gray matter loss could signify future memory impairments. The hippocampus helps with spatial awareness, conscious recollection, and consolidation of memories. This would effect recollections of facts, events and overall episodic memories. More research is needed to determine whether these deficits may be linked to mood disorders associated with long-haul Covid-19, including depression and anxiety.
COVID BA.2 is 50% more infectious than Omicron and it is quickly becoming the dominant variant in the United States. Americas are tired of COVID and over it. The virus however is not done with us. It is still a good idea to follow simple safety measures, wash hands often, wear a mask indoors or around others, and get vaccinated. a second booster shot is being made for those 50 years of age and older. It is a good idea to get that shot as BA.2 sweeps across America in the coming wave in the coming weeks. The U.S. government had cut funding for COVID relief so this might be the last FREE chance to boost your immune system to protect against hospitalization and death. Natural immunity is fine if infected, but the trade off is a loss of brain matter and possible long COVID symptoms that can linger for months, years or a lifetime. Choose wisely.