Coronavirus can significantly affect brain function, causing a brain-like mental collapse at 10 years of age, according to a worrying new study.
A study of more than 84,000 people in the UK found that the virus was thought to improve with “chronic cognitive outcomes”, compared to … 5 IQ points.
“People who improved, including those who no longer had symptoms, showed significant cognitive impairment,” said a study published in Medicare.
The researchers warned in the study that “the loss was widespread, affecting multiple cognitive domains,” which remains to be peer-reviewed.
The study used cognitive tests – such as memorizing words or connecting dots on a puzzle – that are often used to assess brain function in diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
The cognitive deficit was “scaled with significant effect size” and “symptom severity”, especially in those hospitalized, but also “evident in people without hospital treatment,” the study said.
Dr Adam Hampshire, a doctor at Imperial College London who led the research, told the Times of London: “There is a big difference between noting the impact on your normal job and your ability to cope with everyday life.
“The results are aligned with the‘ brain fog ’reported by many people who, even months after recovery, say they have worked before or are unable to focus on how they worked before.
The study calls the findings “clearer for more detailed research.”
Other experts involved in the study warned that the results should be viewed with a little caution – especially since the study does not record cognitive test scores before and after.
“Participants’ cognitive function was not known to be pre-covid, and the results also do not reflect long-term recovery – so there may be a short-term effect on cognitive effect,” said Joanna Wardla, a professor of applied neuroimaging at the University of Edinburgh.
Derek Hill, a professor of medical imaging science at University College London, described the result as “interesting”, but part of the research into the effect of coronavirus may be on the “undecided” brain.
With post wire
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