SARS-CoV-2 is an interesting virus, that has been exhibiting various symptoms for years in a considerable number of patients of COVID-19. This phenomenon has been labelled as ‘long-COVID,’ and vigorous research has been ongoing to understand the symptoms of long-COVID. One such symptom is ‘brain fog’ or problems with thinking, concentration, and memory, which has now been linked with the formation of blood clots due to a coronavirus infection.
How Does COVID Cause Brain Fog
According to a study published in ‘Nature Medicine’, researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of Leicester looked at blood tests from 1,837 people who had been hospitalised with COVID-19. The study stated, ‘The participants’ memory was assessed at six and 12 months after hospitalisation using both a formal test and by asking them their own subjective view about their memory.’
Following the tests, the researchers identified the presence of a high level of a protein called fibrinogen and a raised level of a protein fragment called D-dimer. The lead author of the study, Dr Max Taquet commented, “Both fibrinogen and D-dimer are involved in blood clotting, and so the results support the hypothesis that blood clots are a cause of post-COVID cognitive problems.”
Also Read: Not Just COVID, Here Are Other Factors That Can Cause Brain Fog
The researchers hypothesised that fibrinogen may be directly affecting the brain and its blood vessels. D-dimer on the other hand often reflects blood clots in the lungs. This might be causing a low transfer of oxygen to the brain, leading to brain fog. The researchers further questioned whether the presence of D-dimer could be another factor why patients of long-COVID suffer intense breathing difficulties.
The Significance Of Understanding Long COVID
The supervisor of the study, Professor Paul Harrison, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, said, “Identifying predictors and possible mechanisms is a key step in understanding post-COVID brain fog.”
Also Read: Brain Fog And Women: Brain Fog Is More Common In Women Owing To Internal Bodily Changes
The ultimate goal with all studies pertaining to the long-COVID is to be able to understand the basis of its often debilitating symptoms. This will help the medical community to find treatment and ways to prevent and reverse the stubborn manifestations of long-COVID.
Although the Oxford Study provided a huge insight that can be utilised to treat cognitive problems after COVID-19 infection, still the researchers called for more studies to understand the causative agents of brain fog as a post-COVID complication. However, the best way still remains preventive measures to avoid being grabbed into the clutch of COVID-19. Long-COVID is a serious matter and should be compelling enough for the masses to wear masks in public, practice good hygiene, use sanitiser, maintain social distancing, and perform all the other COVID-appropriate measures to protect themselves.
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