How does the new coronavirus infection affect the brain?



The new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) causes symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough, and it has been reported in some cases that it may

affect the cardiopulmonary and brain. Trevor Kilpatrick and Steven Petrou , neurologists at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, explain how COVID-19 affects the brain.

How does COVID affect the brain? Two neuroscientists explain
https://theconversation.com/how-does-covid-affect-the-brain-two-neuroscientists-explain-164857

◆ How does the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) reach the brain?
According to Kilpatrick et al., About 15-20% of people who have recovered from SARS confirmed around 2002 or MERS confirmed around 2012 experience depression, memory loss, and fatigue. He said he did. With regard to COVID-19, unlike these infections, there is conclusive evidence that the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) can cross the blood-brain barrier , which limits the exchange of substances between blood and brain tissue fluid. However, some studies have also suggested that SARS-CoV-2 may invade the central nervous system through the nasal mucosa and reach the cerebrospinal fluid.



◆ How does COVID-19 damage the brain?

A study published as a pre-reviewed paper in June 2021 compared brain images before and after infection with SARS-CoV-2 and showed that part of the limbic system shrank after infection. rice field. Kilpatrick and colleagues describe the study as 'may indicate that COVID-19 has increased the risk of developing brain disease.'




COVID-19 can also indirectly affect the brain, including creating blood clots that cause arterial obstruction and block the supply of nutrients to the brain. In addition, it may affect the intestinal flora (so), affect the pituitary gland, and reduce the amount of cortisol produced , which contributes to long-term fatigue.

Since many phenomena called 'Long COVID ', in which the symptoms of COVID-19 continue for a long time, have been reported, Kilpatrick et al. It's important to do. We still need to work to prevent the spread of the infection. '



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