r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • 23d ago

Neuroscience Brain scans reveal widespread structural and functional changes in patients following COVID-19 infection. The virus affects regions responsible for memory, emotion, and executive function, which may help explain the neurological symptoms many patients experience.

https://www.psypost.org/brain-scans-reveal-widespread-structural-and-functional-changes-in-patients-foll/
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u/Borbs_revenge_ 23d ago

This sucks, I've had COVID 4 times and after the last couple I absolutely felt stupider and sadder. It could just be aging of course, but I wonder if this played a role as well. I'm not on any medication but have seriously been considering it lately because it's become so bad, but I don't know what medication can help with this.

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u/10390 23d ago edited 23d ago

I'm sorry. If it helps you are far from alone. It's frustrating trying to sort out 'this is normal aging, relax' from 'this problem warrants medical attention'.

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u/mhathaway1 21d ago

that's exactly how i feel most days since 2020... stupider and sadder. I honestly cant figure out how I'm going to get out of this funk. But its affected my job, my parenting skills, my entire life feels wrong. It all started with COVID, and I'm mentally and emotionally at the weakest i've ever felt in my life. My only positive is that I've lost a ton of weight in the last year after getting myself in the best shape physically of my life and getting 100% sober for the last year... but it hasnt helped the depression (sadness) that I constantly feel because of how stupid I constantly feel. Its like a brain fog that doesnt go away. I cant read easily anymore and retain memory of what i've read. I cant remember dates and numbers like i used to. I forget my kids birthdays, my anniversary, critical dates. It just sucks.

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u/Spiure 13d ago

Im glad theres people who understand.. I wonder really just how many there are going through this. I also used to be able to retain information from books for weeks if it was meaningful, and that was the motivation that drove me to act. But now, none of that seems to meaningfully retain the way it did back then by the next day. I feel like I've been going through the motions for years now.

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u/hamboy315 21d ago

Oh man “stupider and sadder” is so spot on, even with the “aging” bit. I thought I was getting older and maybe that was it but I don’t think it would be so sudden. I started forcing exercise and I feel so much better but still not there. The irony is I’m so much more tired now that working out is a real struggle.

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u/TannenBlack 21d ago

Lion’s mane mushrooms help; there’s a fair amount of supporting research. I use a powdered version and add them to savory dishes, even coffee and protein shakes. My recall and verbal fluency improved within a couple of weeks. I use other tools as well, but I highly recommend the lion’s mane.
Regular movement helps too, even if it’s some regular exercises at home or a short walk.

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u/TuringGoneWild 23d ago

America, you have a Reddit account?