Brain scans reveal a possible cause of long COVID fatigue and brain fog

Overview: ...long COVID involves the loss of dopamine-releasing neurons, providing direct evidence that the dopamine neuron marker is reduced in the same regions. These results indicate that long COVID is, at least in part, a disorder of the brain's dopamine system, suggesting that repurposing medications that augment the function of dopamine-releasing neurons could be a promising approach.

Key Points: - ...long COVID involves the loss of dopamine-releasing neurons, providing direct evidence that the dopamine neuron marker is reduced in the same regions. These results indicate that long COVID is, at least in part, a disorder of the brain's dopamine system, suggesting that repurposing medications that augment the function of dopamine-releasing neurons could be a promising approach. The study builds on previous work showing high levels of inflammation in those regions with large numbers of dopamine-releasing neurons. Researchers plan to begin a clinical trial targeting dopamine function in people with long COVID, aiming to determine if modifying dopamine activity can improve memory, motivation, and fatigue.

Summary: ...long COVID involves the loss of dopamine-releasing neurons, providing direct evidence that the dopamine neuron marker is reduced in the same regions. These results indicate that long COVID is, at least in part, a disorder of the brain's dopamine system, suggesting that repurposing medications that augment the function of dopamine-releasing neurons could be a promising approach.