A large study published in Nature comparing brain scans from the same individuals before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection suggests that brain changes could be a lingering outcome of even mild COVID-19. Researchers at Oxford University reported that several months after study participants had SARS-CoV-2 infections, they had more grey matter loss, tissue abnormalities, and more brain size shrinkage than participants who hadn’t been infected with the virus.
When asked about the significance of this study, Dr Randy Beck, director of the Institute of Functional Neuroscience in Perth, Australia stated “We really need to learn more about COVID-19’s out-comes after the initial infection, especially for individuals with mild or asymptomatic disease, which represents most people with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studies such as this one from Oxford University contribute to our understanding of the possible long-term effects of this virus”.
“Of particular interest are brain-related changes that could help explain commonly reported long-term symptoms including loss of smell and taste, headaches, and memory problems,” continued Dr Beck. “We have been working with a number of different experts, with-in Australia and internationally, including immunologists and computer modelling experts to develop therapies to address the changes in the brain that may be causing the symptoms experienced in people post-COVID-19. Our initial clinical trials have shown encouraging results”.
The Institute of Functional Neuroscience is dedicated to helping people with neurological conditions through the application of targeted, customised, non-invasive neuroplastic therapies.
If you are suffering form symptoms that may be related to the COVID-19 virus infection and wish to learn more about how neuroplastic therapy may help you, please contact the Institute of Functional Neuroscience at 618 6254 2282 or email us at [email protected].
Reference
Abbasi J. Even Mild COVID-19 May Change the Brain. JAMA. Published online March 23, 2022. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.4507
