Title: Oxford University Study Suggests Blood Clots Linked to Cognitive Problems in Covid Patients
New research from Oxford University indicates that blood clots may be the underlying cause of cognitive issues experienced by individuals after recovering from a Covid-19 infection. With approximately 1.9 million people in Britain still enduring the effects of Long Covid, a staggering 37% of them have reported difficulties with concentration.
The study, conducted by Oxford University, analyzed blood tests from 1,837 Covid-19 patients who had been hospitalized and were experiencing persistent cognitive problems. The findings revealed that those with cognitive impairments had notably elevated levels of blood clotting proteins. This suggests that excessive clotting during a Covid-19 infection could result in long-term damage that persists even after two years.
Blood clots have the potential to impede blood supply to the brain, leading to cognitive problems or causing fatigue, both of which can significantly impact an individual’s cognitive abilities. While the study focused on hospitalized Covid-19 patients, researchers believe that its findings could also be relevant to non-hospitalized individuals.
One significant factor to consider is that patients in hospitals are often treated with anticoagulants, a treatment option not readily available to those managing the condition from home. This highlights the need for increased awareness and potential treatment options for individuals experiencing cognitive problems after a Covid-19 infection.
Further analysis undertaken by the research team showed that patients with symptoms commonly referred to as “brain fog” exhibited high levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer, both of which are directly involved in the clotting process. Experts posit that fibrinogen may directly affect the brain and its blood vessels, whereas D-dimer can indicate the presence of blood clots in the lungs, thus reducing oxygen levels to the brain.
The ultimate aim of this study is to identify predictors and mechanisms that lead to long-term cognitive problems in Covid-19 patients. Researchers hope that early identification of at-risk patients will enable a proactive approach to treatment in the future.
This groundbreaking study was recently published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine, solidifying its importance in understanding the complex repercussions of Covid-19 on various bodily systems. As scientists continue to delve deeper into the long-term effects of the virus, this research provides crucial insights that could potentially pave the way for proactive and effective treatment approaches for those experiencing cognitive issues post-recovery from a Covid-19 infection.
