Inflammation

Inflammation

Long COVID: Brain inflammation found in patients

A team led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has found physiological evidence of brain inflammation in people with cognitive and depressive symptoms months after their COVID-19 infections.

Brain inflammation, also known as neuroinflammation, is the body's response to infection or injury in the brain. It is characterized by the activation of immune cells and the release of inflammatory substances. In the case of COVID-19, researchers have discovered that the virus can directly invade the brain and trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation.

The findings of this study shed light on the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain. Many individuals who have recovered from the initial infection continue to experience cognitive and mood-related symptoms, such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and depression. Understanding the underlying mechanisms, such as brain inflammation, can help develop targeted treatments and interventions to improve the quality of life for these patients.

Key takeaways:

• Brain inflammation has been found in individuals with cognitive and depressive symptoms months after COVID-19 infections.
• Neuroinflammation is the body's response to infection or injury in the brain.
• COVID-19 can directly invade the brain and trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation.
• Research on brain inflammation in COVID-19 patients can help develop targeted treatments and interventions for long-term symptoms.

Source: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)