Health
Brain scans link long COVID fatigue to dopamine neuron damage
Researchers found reduced dopamine neuron markers in long COVID patients, according to ScienceDaily.
The short version
- A study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health indicates that long COVID may damage dopamine-releasing brain neurons, potentially causing persistent fatigue and memory issues.[ScienceDaily]
- Brain scans showed significantly reduced markers for dopamine neuron health across the striatum in long COVID patients compared to healthy individuals.[ScienceDaily]
- Researchers plan to launch a clinical trial targeting dopamine function within the coming months to test potential treatments.[ScienceDaily]
Key facts
- Brain scans revealed lower levels of dopamine neuron health markers in the striatum of long COVID patients compared to healthy controls.[ScienceDaily]
- Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health plan to begin a clinical trial within a few months targeting dopamine function.[ScienceDaily]
- Long COVID is estimated to affect roughly five per cent of the global population.[ScienceDaily]
What remains uncertain
- The efficacy of targeting dopamine function to relieve long COVID symptoms remains unproven until clinical trials are conducted.[ScienceDaily]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Brain scans reveal a possible cause of long COVID fatigue and brain fogScienceDaily - Science