COVID-19 is primarily known for its effects on the respiratory system, but its consequences go far beyond that. A recent study, published in the journal Brain, Behavior, & Immunity—Health and conducted at the D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), has revealed molecular changes that may underlie the neurological symptoms exhibited by some patients affected by the disease, highlighting the importance of better understanding these still poorly known potential consequences of COVID-19. COVID-19 continues to be a concerning disease even after the end of its pandemic phase.
In the first half of 2024 alone, it was responsible for over 3,000 deaths in Brazil. Additionally, scientific literature has been extensively documenting the deleterious effects of the infection even after patients have recovered, a condition now known as "long COVID." Long COVID refers to a range of persistent symptoms that remain or emerge after the acute phase of the disease.
Even after recovering from respiratory symptoms, patients may continue to face significant challenges, especially concerning neurological health. A significant portion of COVID-19 survivors, even those who had mild cases, may experience cognitive decline and difficulty concentrating for extended periods after the infection. This makes it important to study how the disease affects the brain even in the acute phase, as this may provide clues about these neurological sequelae.
During the infection, the most common neurological.