COVID-19 & the Brain

[Gregory Matthews]

 

Researchers who study the effects of the COVID-19 virus are just beginning to understand the effects that the SARS-CoV-2 virus (which causes COVID-19) may have on the human brain:

·          50% of the people who recover from COVID-19 may have neurological symptoms that may last for months.

·         These symptoms may involve both structural and functional changes to the brain.

·         Some symptoms are relatively mild and may include headaches, dizziness & Muscle pain.

·         More severe symptoms, which may include encephalopathy, occur in almost 1/3 of these patients.

·         The neurological changes occurred more often in younger people.

·         Encephalopathy occurred more frequently in older patients.

·         Symptoms may include: delirium, depression, headaches, and inflammation of the brain, brain bleeds and clots, as well as meningitis.

·         Psychosis as also been reported.

·         Positive steps to brain health include:

a)       Maintain social connection even if physically distanced.

b)       Eat a good Mediterranean diet l.

c)      Exercise.

d)      Get sound sleep.

e)      Do not focus on negative news and learn something new.

 

NOTE:  For the above information I am indebted to: 

Gupa, Sanjay. “COVID and the Brain,” AARP, December 2020/January 2021, Pages 42 -46.