May 7, 2024

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Reasons for Memory Decline After COVID-19 Infection

Reasons for Memory Decline After COVID-19 Infection: “Residual Virus Leads to Serotonin Deficiency”



Reasons for Memory Decline After COVID-19 Infection: “Residual Virus Leads to Serotonin Deficiency”

After contracting the novel coronavirus, individuals may experience a condition known as “post-COVID syndrome,” which is characterized by a decrease in memory and a foggy mental state.

Recent research has revealed that the cause of this syndrome, which had previously remained unknown, is the reduced secretion of serotonin due to the presence of residual coronavirus in the body.

A research team from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States has announced that the lingering coronavirus in the human body decreases serotonin levels and triggers post-COVID syndrome.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that alleviates stress, stabilizes mood, and is often referred to as the “happiness hormone.” A deficiency of serotonin can lead to neurological and cognitive symptoms, along with a decline in memory. These research findings were published in the international academic journal “Cell” on the 16th of the month (local time).

Reasons for Memory Decline After COVID-19 Infection: "Residual Virus Leads to Serotonin Deficiency"

The research team analyzed the blood of 58 patients who had experienced post-COVID syndrome for a duration of 3 to 22 months after being infected with the novel coronavirus. The analysis results were compared to the blood of 30 individuals who did not experience post-COVID syndrome and 60 patients who were in the early stages of novel coronavirus infection.

The research team observed changes in serotonin and other metabolite levels after infection with the novel coronavirus, and they discovered that similar symptoms appeared when infected with other viruses. However, individuals with post-COVID syndrome differed from others in that only their serotonin levels had not returned to their pre-infection levels.

The research team found remnants of the coronavirus in the fecal samples of some patients suffering from post-COVID syndrome. These viral remnants stimulate the immune system to produce interferon, a protein that fights infection, and interferon reduces the body’s ability to absorb the amino acids that help produce serotonin, causing inflammation. After a novel coronavirus infection, blood clots can also interfere with serotonin circulation.

A deficiency of serotonin can potentially lead to cognitive issues, such as a decrease in memory, due to disruption of the vagus nerve system. The research team suggests that by supplementing serotonin or preventing serotonin function from declining, it may be possible to improve memory and cognitive function once again.

Reasons for Memory Decline After COVID-19 Infection: “Residual Virus Leads to Serotonin Deficiency”

(source:internet, reference only)


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