New research on COVID-19 patients has found that severe infections may cause changes in the brain, which may increase the individual’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
A team of researchers from UT Health San Antonio is conducting a study to understand why some COVID-19 patients have cognitive problems, including memory and thinking problems.
In the PET scans examined by the researchers, they found that the new coronavirus caused changes in brain function, which can also be seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Certain genes that increase a person’s risk of a severe COVID-19 case are also thought to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. NPR Report.
Dr. Gabriel de Erasquin, professor of neurology at UT Health San Antonio, also pointed out that they have noticed that mental problems are more common in COVID-19 patients who lose their sense of smell.
“The persistent lack of smell is not only related to changes in the brain of the olfactory bulb, but also to changes in those places where the sense of smell is connected in one way or another,” he said.
Young patients around the age of 30 are more prone to anxiety and depression, while patients in their 60s and 70s are forgetful, and this symptom is similar to Alzheimer’s.
Researchers in San Antonio are expected to present their latest findings at the International Conference of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The findings of the investigation were announced on Monday by President Joe Biden New guide Protect people who have suffered the long-term effects of COVID-19 from discrimination. The government will provide them with necessary resources, such as long-term services and support programs for the disabled.
Biden said: “We have made important progress, but there is still work to be done. We must continue to ensure that every American has the opportunity to contribute their talents, thrive and succeed.” CNN.
It is not clear how many people are suffering from the long-term effects of COVID-19. It is unclear what the symptoms of “long-term COVID” are. However, signs may include shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste, loss of smell, difficulty thinking, and rapid heartbeat.Symptoms may also include infertility and sexual dysfunction, according to conversation.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia. It is believed to affect 50 million people worldwide and usually develops after the age of 65.
Photo: AFP/Philip Lopez
