British and American scientists are planning to launch a global study to study the long-term effects of coronavirus on the human brain as well as the central nervous system (CNS). The Daily Mail reports. To do this, specialists from the University of Texas, the University of Leicester and the Royal Medical Center in Nottingham will join forces.
According to the publication, scientists are concerned that COVID-19 can cause long-term damage to the brain and central nervous system several years after infection. Therefore, experts want to investigate whether the virus can lead to cognitive decline, Alzegeimer’s, Parkinson’s or other forms of dementia.
There is currently no evidence that the coronavirus can actually cause Alzheimer’s in the future. But scientists have already discovered that the virus can enter the brain – there is already the first evidence that the coronavirus is able to infect brain neurons through the mucous membranes after passing through the nose. Previous research also suggests that COVID-19 can cause delirium, stroke and even paralysis.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Gabriel de Erausquin of the University of Texas, believes that the impact of the coronavirus will not be limited to these short-term acute symptoms – it will most likely manifest itself in chronic diseases.
Scientists from more than 30 countries will take part in the study, who will monitor the condition of about 40 thousand people. The first results of the analysis will appear in 2022.
Earlier, scientists named the worst long-term consequences of the coronavirus. Experts have found that those who have had coronavirus, for months after infection, suffer from symptoms such as “fog in the head”, inability to focus, inflammation of the heart muscle, pain in the testicles, kidney damage and problems with urination. The patients also had strokes, seizures and convulsions.