Covid-19 has left a lasting impact on the brains of those who have had it, with scientists warning that this could signal a surge in dementia cases and other mental conditions. Five years into the pandemic, researchers are recognizing the toll Covid takes on brain health.
Many people who have had Covid struggle with persistent issues like brain fog, depression, and cognitive slowing, making it hard to work and function normally. Studies have shown that those who have had Covid often have higher levels of proteins in their blood that are also found in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
This raises concerns that the findings could be early warning signs of a future increase in dementia cases and other neurodegenerative conditions, prolonging the pandemic’s societal, economic, and health impact. In 2021, UK researchers reported an alarming discovery – even those who had mild Covid were showing signs of brain damage and accelerated aging, particularly affecting the part responsible for smell.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/explainers/does-covid-lead-to-dementia-how-the-coronavirus-affects-your-brain