The link between COVID-19 and respiratory problems is well known, its influence on the brain is the subject of extensive research. A recent scientific publication indicates that the virus could durably alter brain architecture, and this includes in people who perceive themselves as fully recovered.
To explore this lead, a team from Griffith University in Australia used advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. This work allowed for the analysis of the brains of people who had contracted COVID-19, comparing them to those of individuals who had never been infected. The goal was to grasp the potential prolonged consequences of the disease.
The observations reveal marked alterations within the gray matter and white matter. These transformations affect both the microstructure of the tissues and the neurochemical profiles, indicating a lasting imprint of COVID-19 on brain health. The research was conducted with a rigorous methodology to eliminate any bias, and the data were examined precisely.
A notable point lies in the fact that these modifications are observed not only in patients with long COVID, but also in those who consider themselves cured and no longer present symptoms. This finding indicates that the effects of the virus could persist in a discrete manner, without any perceptible sign for the individual, which raises questions about the necessity of follow-up after infection.
These elements shed light on certain cognitive disorders reported after the illness, such as memory or attention disorders. The document, published in
Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health, links these difficulties with the observed brain alterations, thus opening avenues to study the neurological mechanisms at play.
Understanding these brain changes is important for developing suitable monitoring and care approaches.