A new study has noted signs of inflammation and neurodegeneration in the brains of people who succumbed to COVID-19, similar to those seen in people who die of Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease.

The findings from the study may help explain the reason behind so many COVID-19 patients reporting neurological problems. The complaints tend to increase with more severe COVID-19 and can continue as a part of long COVID. Close to one-third of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 have symptoms like forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating and depression. The researchers in the present study did not find any signs of SARS-CoV-2 in brain tissue that they obtained from eight patients who died of the disease. Brain samples obtained from 14 individuals who died of other causes served as controls. The study is published in the journal Nature… (ET Healthworld – PTI, June 24, 2021)