The Start of a Struggle
In March 2020, Hannah Davis faced what she believed would be a mild illness, but the aftermath turned into a daunting struggle. With respiratory symptoms that seemed trivial at first, it soon became evident that serious neurological and cognitive changes were taking hold.
‘I could tell very early on that something was wrong with my brain,’ she remarked, sharing her experience post-COVID infection.
The Scale of Long COVID
Five years later, Davis is among an estimated 20 million Americans and 400 million people globally who continue to grapple with long COVID. Symptoms persist or evolve more than three months following a coronavirus infection.
‘Someone who has long COVID has functionally changed as a person. They’re by necessity a different person,’ Davis added, emphasizing the pervasive impact of the illness.
Cognitive Consequences
The neurocognitive effects of long COVID emerge as some of the most profound. Research indicates that between 18% to 36% of long COVID patients experience significant cognitive deficits, with many reporting disabilities severe enough to warrant leaving the workforce.
Even those who appear to have recovered from acute COVID infections aren’t fully in the clear; lingering cognitive issues remain a risk for many.
Research Findings
Neuroimaging studies have unveiled changes in the brain post-COVID infection. Notable alterations include:
- Pathological changes in areas responsible for cognition and movement
- Demyelination, which disrupts neuronal functioning
- Sustained neuroinflammation and reduced brain activity in long COVID patients
Interestingly, even individuals recovering without a formal long COVID diagnosis report cognitive impacts equivalent to an estimated three-point IQ drop.
The Human Cost
Many long COVID patients continue to face debilitating cognitive challenges, including memory loss, brain fog, and profound fatigue.
‘We’re at the beginning stages of understanding this problem’s full scope,’ said Michael Peluso, an infectious disease clinician emphasizing the urgent need for more research.
A Wider Reach
Long COVID’s multifaceted nature includes more than 200 recognized symptoms such as chronic fatigue, anxiety, and even dysautonomia, complicating recovery and life return for many.
‘This is, for the most part, a permanently disabling illness that isn’t going to get better without investment in treatments and trials as soon as possible,’ Davis highlighted, calling for urgent research funding.
As awareness continues to grow, experts advocate for preventive measures such as vaccination and proper ventilation to mitigate new infections and the embedded risk of long COVID.
Conclusion
Individuals experiencing long COVID are encouraged to seek communities that offer understanding and support, while medical professionals stress the importance of continued research and funding to address and alleviate the lingering effects of this complex condition.
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