In a new study conducted by scientists from Stony Brook University and published in the journal eBioMedicine, a connection was found between long-term neurological symptoms of COVID-19 and elevated levels of tau protein in the blood. This protein is a marker that is often associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, reports Lenta.ru.
During the study, data from 227 patients who had survived COVID-19 and experienced symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and disturbances in smell and balance were analyzed. The results showed that the level of the pathological form of tau protein (pTau-181) in their plasma was 59% higher than before infection. In the control group, consisting of people without long-term COVID symptoms, such an increase was not observed.
The most significant increase in tau protein levels was recorded in those who suffered from symptoms for more than a year and a half. The researchers emphasize that the presence of elevated protein levels is not a direct sign of developing Alzheimer's disease; however, it may indicate long-term changes in brain function following the infection.
Scientists stress the need for further research and neuroimaging observations to determine whether the increase in tau protein levels is linked to the risk of cognitive decline in the future. Nevertheless, this study heightens concerns that the consequences of COVID-19 may affect the brain even years after the illness has passed.
