Since the start of the Covid-19 epidemic, the virus has been suspected of attacking the brain. A British study has just confirmed the neurological effects of the coronavirus, even in patients suffering from mild forms. The infection could have consequences on the “gray matter”, which contains the neurons. Explanations.
- As of March 7, 445,096,612 cases of Covid-19 have been recorded worldwide and 183,021,306 people have been infected with the virus in Europe.
- The coronavirus could cause a decrease in gray matter and brain size.
- Brain changes related to smell have also been observed in infected patients, even those with mild forms of the disease.
“There is strong evidence of brain-related abnormalities following Covid-19 infection. It is unclear, however, whether the impact of the disease can be detected in mild cases and whether this may reveal possible mechanisms contributing to brain pathology”. This was reported by researchers at the University of Oxford in England (United Kingdom). To identify the consequences of the coronavirus on the brain, they carried out a study, including the results were published in the journal Nature March 7.
For the purposes of the research, the authors examined the brain scans of 785 adults between the ages of 51 and 81. Among the participants, 401 patients tested positive for Covid-19 between their two MRIs. According to the data, 141 days separated the diagnosis and the second examination and 384 people did not contract the coronavirus.
A reduction in gray matter due to infection
After comparing the radiological analyzes of the two groups, the scientists found long-term neurological effects on the brain. From the results, a greater decrease in gray matter thickness and tissue loss or damage in the orbitofrontal cortex and parahippocampal gyrus were observed.
The authors also noted cerebral changes related to smell and a reduction in the overall size of the organ, even in patients affected by mild forms. The infected volunteers also showed greater cognitive decline between the two examinations. The researchers clarified that these cognition and imagery effects were still seen after excluding the 15 cases who had been hospitalized.
“These brain scan findings may be indicative of degenerative spread of disease through olfactory pathways, neuroinflammatory events, or loss of sensory input due to anosmia. It remains to be determined whether this deleterious impact may be partially reversed, or if these effects persist in the long term, with further follow-up”, concluded the scientists.
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