New research shows that long-term symptoms following a COVID-19 infection are likely not caused by inflammation in the brain. Previously, scientists thought that brain inflammation could explain the symptoms. Special brain scans were used to look at the activity in various brain regions in patients with persistent symptoms.
The study found no evidence of widespread brain inflammation. Instead, the scans showed that some brain regions associated with mood and emotions were actually more active than normal. This may indicate an altered functioning of the brain in people who continue to experience symptoms long after having COVID.
Long-term symptoms, also known as long COVID, can include fatigue, concentration problems and mood swings, among other things. It is important to understand what causes these symptoms so that targeted treatments can be found for them. These insights help to better understand the disease process.
For people who want to age healthily, it is good to know that long-term inflammation in the brain is not always the cause of persistent symptoms following an infection. This research emphasises the importance of a broad perspective on health and brain recovery.
Source: Original article
