With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have been tirelessly working to create tests, vaccines, and treatments at an unprecedented pace. However, despite these remarkable achievements, there are still numerous aspects of this disease that remain shrouded in mystery, particularly its long-term repercussions, commonly referred to as long COVID. While fatigue stands as the most common symptom experienced by individuals with long COVID, many also report persisting neurological and psychological symptoms. Among these symptoms, the impact on the brain remains one of the most significant enigmas, garnering considerable attention from researchers worldwide.
The Emergence of Long COVID
The concept of Long COVID came into prominence as individuals affected by the condition began sharing their symptoms on various social media platforms. In the initial stages of the pandemic, the potential for experiencing long-term effects of the novel virus was not widely acknowledged due to the limited knowledge surrounding it. However, as the first wave of infections subsided, numerous previously healthy individuals started reporting persistent or delayed symptoms following their initial infection.
Among the most prevalent symptoms experienced by these individuals were fatigue and various neurological manifestations, including confusion, difficulties with concentration and memory, and a phenomenon commonly referred to as “brain fog.”
CRP and Long-Term Cognitive Problems in Long COVID
Research suggests that CRP (c-reaction protein) may play a role in the development of long-term cognitive problems in individuals with long COVID. CRP is produced by the liver in response to inflammation.
Prior studies have found a connection between elevated CRP levels, inflammation, and long-term cognitive decline. These cognitive changes include alterations in memory, attention, self-control, and verbal fluency. However, further investigation is necessary to fully understand the relationship between CRP and long COVID.