Impact of Long-COVID-19: How Blood Clots Lead to Brain Fog

Blood clots in the brain or lungs can cause symptoms of "long COVID-19," such as brain fog and weariness, according to a recent UK study (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Acute blood biomarker profiles predict cognitive deficits 6 and 12 months after COVID-19 hospitalization

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Link Between Long-COVID-19, Blood Clots and Brain Fog

The study included 1,837 persons who were admitted to hospitals owing to COVID-19. According to the findings, two blood proteins indicate blood clots as a possible reason. These clots prevent 16% of these folks from thinking clearly and concentrating. It can also induce memory loss for at least 6-months. Professor Paul Harrison of the University of Oxford described identifying predictors and potential processes as a "key step" in understanding post-COVID-19 brain fog.

In addition, Chris Birghtling, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Oxford, discussed how numerous causes can result in "long COVID-19." "It's a combination of someone's health before, the acute event itself and what happens afterwards that lead to physical and mental health consequences," he said.

A COVID-19 study published in Nature Medicine after hospitalization blames brain fog on elevated levels of protein fibrinogen and protein fragment D-dimer. The study's author, Dr. Max Taquet of Oxford, stated, "Both fibrinogen and D-dimer are involved in blood clotting, so the results support the hypothesis that blood clots are a cause of post-COVID-19 cognitive problems."

Post-COVID-19 Cognitive Challenges

Following a COVID-19 diagnosis, symptoms to look out for include excessive weariness, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating. Dr. Simon Retford, a university lecturer, revealed his experience, stating he spent two weeks in a coma after being diagnosed with COVID-19 in October 2020.

Though he has regained functioning over time, he still reports difficulties concentrating, short-term memory loss, and a delayed thought process. The lecturer used to work for the police but is no longer able to do so. "I took on a course-leader role last May and I was like a really slow computer that struggled to get going," he said.

However, researchers consider this study to be a beginning step in the correct direction, as further research is needed before any medicine or prospective treatments can be recommended. The same study was conducted at US hospitals and yielded identical results, lending validity to the study.

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Reference:

1. Acute blood biomarker profiles predict cognitive deficits 6 and 12 months after COVID-19 hospitalization - (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02525-y)

Source-Medindia