Memory and concentration problems or in severe cases even delirium. Scientists from the British King’s College confirm after research that these complaints can be caused by corona. It may offer patients perspective.
The British research shows that the immune system of corona patients reacts so strongly to the virus that the normal recovery of brain cells is disrupted or stopped.
Therapy
“This is a new and very interesting finding because it provides a new perspective on possible treatments,” says Paul Boon, neurologist at the University Hospital in Ghent.
The 51-year-old Brian van de Laar has long been hoping for more research into his complaints, which will lead to a possible treatment. He went from a life with a full-time job, running three times a week and playing drums in a band, to a life of many limitations.
Complaints resemble Alzheimer’s
Brian can only work for half an hour at a time and has to rest a lot, he says. “I can no longer participate in conversations after 45 minutes, I lose names, and sometimes have Alzheimer-like complaints.”
“I’ve been walking the same route in the woods for 20 years, but sometimes I suddenly forget how to get home.” Neurologist Boon recognizes Brian’s story in his own patients.
also watch
New treatments
According to Boon, this new research is very interesting for two reasons. First of all, because it provides new understanding for people who get a brain disorder due to the covid virus.
But perhaps more importantly, this research provides a new perspective when it comes to finding treatments, Boon says. “We already have drugs that can modulate the response of the immune system, these existing drugs may also be used for these complaints in these cases. That will now be investigated.”
also watch
Immune system response
Scientists from King’s College London examined the blood of corona patients from the first corona wave. “They looked at whether there was a correlation between an abnormal response of the body to the virus and an abnormality in the brain,” explains Boon.
They found that there was indeed a correlation between an abnormal response of the body to the virus and an increasing abnormality of the brain. “A reaction takes place in the immune system that disrupts the normal recovery of brain cells. Ultimately, this damages the brain. The coronavirus can therefore cause brain damage without the virus actually infecting the brain.”
Neurologist Paul Boon and Brian van de Laar in EenVandaag on NPO Radio 1