It's well known that COVID-19 can cause long-lasting, devastating effects on its victims' bodies. But new research is showing that the virus can also permanently affect the brain and cognitive functions.
Researchers studying COVID-19's impact on the central nervous system have found evidence that the virus can actually change a person's brain.
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More specifically, researchers say the virus can leave a patient with lingering memory issues, including the acceleration of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. A bout with COVID can cause permanent losses of mental sharpness, which could lead to dementia years later, the researchers say.
"We're starting to see clear connections between COVID-19 and problems with cognition months after infection," Dr. Gabriel de Erausquin, professor of neurology at the University of Texas Health Science Center, said in a statement.
One study looked at 300 older adults in Argentina who had COVID-19. It found that more than half had persistent problems with forgetfulness, and one in four had additional problems with attention deficits, known as "brain fog."
Patients with a persistent loss of smell appeared to be more likely to experience problems including persistent forgetfulness, according to the study.
Researchers also found that COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms had higher levels of biomarkers linked to Alzheimer's.
"These findings suggest that patients who had COVID-19 may have an acceleration of Alzheimer's-related symptoms and pathology," Dr. Thomas Wisniewski, professor of neurology, pathology and psychiatry at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, said in a statement.
More research is needed, but a possible cause may be due to lingering inflammation in the brain or the after-effects of inflammation that occurred during infection. The brain may also experience persistent oxygen deprivation during illness, which can contribute to long-term cognitive difficulties.
"These new data point to disturbing trends showing COVID-19 infections leading to lasting cognitive impairment and even Alzheimer's symptoms," Heather Snyder, vice president for medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer's Association, said in a statement. "It is imperative that we continue to study what this virus is doing to our bodies and brains."
Researchers point out that COVID-19 infections don't necessarily cause Alzheimer's disease or dementia, but can make a patient more vulnerable and worsen symptoms already present.
The research results were reported Thursday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference.
