Studies Show COVID Infections Can Have Lasting Impact on Brain Function
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COVID infections can cause brain fog, inflammation, mini strokes, headaches, sleep issues, tingling, and seizures. Studies show COVID is linked to 3+ point IQ drops and 7 years of brain aging.
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The virus induces inflammation and makes the blood-brain barrier leaky, allowing substances that should not cross into the brain. This drives neural dysfunction.
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COVID disrupts cortisol, serotonin and other hormones/chemicals needed for normal brain function and cognition.
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The burden of long-term COVID effects on the brain has likely declined some due to vaccines, antivirals and virus evolution. But strokes, heart issues, and brain fog still occur.
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Like the 1918 flu, COVID has a "long tail" with neurological effects like Parkinson's emerging later. The full scope extends far beyond acute infection.