Japanese study uncovers the biological cause of ‘brain fog’ from long COVID

Scientists in Japan have, for the first time, provided concrete biological evidence that brain fog caused by long COVID is not merely a subjective symptom, but a measurable molecular condition in the brain.

A research team from Yokohama City University, led by Professor Takuya Takahashi, has discovered that patients suffering from long COVID show increased activity of AMPA receptors key molecules that enable communication between nerve cells and are essential for memory and learning.

“By using our new PET imaging technology for AMPA receptors, we aim to bring a new perspective to solving a serious health challenge such as long COVID,” said Professor Takahashi.

What did the study show?

The researchers scanned the brains of 30 long COVID patients and compared them with 80 healthy individuals. The results showed that:

The density of AMPA receptors was significantly higher in patients experiencing brain fog;

The higher the receptor activity, the more severe the cognitive problems were, such as forgetfulness, slowed thinking, and difficulty concentrating;

High levels of inflammation in the body were also associated with increased receptor activity, suggesting that the brain’s immune response plays an important role.

What is brain fog?

Brain fog is a group of symptoms that include difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and slowed thinking. It affects over 80% of people with long COVID and has limited millions from working or performing daily activities.

What comes next?

The study’s authors emphasize that the findings should serve as a signal for health systems to treat brain fog as a clinical disorder in its own right. The discoveries could pave the way for new therapies aimed at reducing excessive AMPA receptor activity, thereby easing symptoms for those affected.

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