Rudroff Thorsten
Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Brain Sci. 2024 Jun 8;14(6):587. doi: 10.3390/brainsci14060587.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to the long-term consequences of the virus, particularly the persistent symptoms that characterize long COVID. This syndrome, which can last for months after the initial infection, includes a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations that have significant implications for brain health and dementia research. This review explores the current understanding of long COVID's cognitive, neurological, and psychiatric symptoms and their potential impact on brain stimulation and neuroimaging studies. It argues that researchers must adapt their study designs and screening processes to account for the confounding effects of long COVID and ensure the accuracy and reliability of their findings. To advance the understanding of this condition and its long-term effects on brain health, the review proposes a series of strategies, including the development of standardized screening tools, the investigation of underlying mechanisms, and the identification of risk factors and protective factors. It also emphasizes the importance of collaborative research efforts and international data sharing platforms in accelerating the pace of discovery and developing targeted interventions for individuals with long COVID. As the prevalence of this condition continues to grow, it is imperative that the neuroscience community comes together to address this challenge and support those affected by long COVID.
新冠疫情使人们关注到该病毒的长期后果，尤其是长期新冠所特有的持续症状。这种综合征在初次感染后可能持续数月，包括一系列神经和神经精神方面的表现，对大脑健康和痴呆症研究具有重大影响。本综述探讨了目前对长期新冠的认知、神经和精神症状及其对脑刺激和神经影像学研究的潜在影响。它认为，研究人员必须调整其研究设计和筛查流程，以考虑长期新冠的混杂效应，并确保研究结果的准确性和可靠性。为了增进对这种情况及其对大脑健康的长期影响的理解，该综述提出了一系列策略，包括开发标准化筛查工具、研究潜在机制以及识别风险因素和保护因素。它还强调了合作研究努力和国际数据共享平台在加快发现步伐以及为长期新冠患者开发针对性干预措施方面的重要性。随着这种情况的患病率持续上升，神经科学界必须团结起来应对这一挑战，并为受长期新冠影响的人提供支持。
