A recent study conducted by scientists at Griffith University in Australia and published in the journal Brain, Behavior, & Immunity Health showed that the COVID-19 virus not only affects the respiratory system, but also leaves a tangible impact on the brain, and its effects persist even in people who consider themselves fully recovered, even if they do not show obvious symptoms.
Lead researcher Dr. Kiran Tapalia explained that the team used multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to study the brain's gray and white matter, which is crucial for memory, cognitive function, and overall brain health. The researchers found significant differences in brain tissue, neurochemicals, signal intensity, and tissue structure in those who had recovered from COVID-19, even in cases considered mild.
Tabalia added: "Changes in brain tissue have been shown to be strongly associated with the severity of symptoms," which may explain long-term cognitive problems such as memory and concentration deterioration , which may persist for months or even years after the injury.
The findings point to the long-term neurological consequences of the virus , which was also confirmed by the World Health Organization, which recently announced that long-term symptoms after COVID-19 remain a serious problem affecting a large number of people.
