{"id":183507,"date":"2025-10-07T15:44:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T15:44:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/183507\/"},"modified":"2025-10-07T15:44:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T15:44:10","slug":"experts-prove-long-covid-is-real-after-pinpointing-physical-cause-of-lingering-brain-fog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/183507\/","title":{"rendered":"Experts prove Long Covid is real – after pinpointing physical cause of lingering ‘brain fog’"},"content":{"rendered":"

By ZOE HARDY, HEALTH REPORTER<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published: 09:40 EDT, 7 October 2025 | Updated: 11:17 EDT, 7 October 2025 <\/p>\n

Scientists say they have finally discovered what causes ‘brain fog’ in people with long Covid.<\/p>\n

The finding could help explain why millions continue to experience problems with memory and concentration months or even years after infection.<\/p>\n

Around 1.9 million Britons are thought to be living with long Covid\u2014a term covering a range of lingering symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness and joint pain.<\/p>\n

But among the most debilitating is brain fog\u2014cognitive problems including poor memory, slower thinking and difficulty focusing, which affect more than 80 per cent of sufferers.<\/p>\n

Until now, researchers suspected Covid might trigger structural changes in the brain but had been unable to pinpoint the molecular cause.<\/p>\n

Now, Japanese scientists have developed a way to directly visualise key receptors in the brain linked to memory and learning, revealing what may underlie the problem.<\/p>\n

In a study published in Brain Communications<\/a>, the researchers looked at AMPA receptors (AMPARs)\u2014proteins on the surface of brain cells that help transmit signals involved in learning and memory.<\/p>\n

Abnormal activity in AMPARs has previously been linked to conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder and dementia.<\/p>\n

\"Researchers <\/p>\n

Researchers in Japan have now pinpointed a biological cause of long covid brain fog using advanced PRT brain imaging\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"In <\/p>\n

In the UK, ministers have repeatedly said they won’t resort to imposing lockdowns unless a doomsday Covid variant appears\u00a0<\/p>\n

Using advanced brain scans, the researchers compared 30 long Covid patients with 80 healthy volunteers and found a significant increase in AMPAR activity among those with cognitive symptoms.<\/p>\n

Crucially, the more severe the brain fog, the denser the receptor activity\u2014suggesting a clear biological link with long Covid, and a potential target for future treatments.<\/p>\n

Professor Takuya Takahashi, an expert in molecular mechanisms and study co-author, said: ‘Our findings clearly demonstrate that long Covid brain fog should be recognised as a legitimate clinical condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n

‘This could encourage the healthcare industry to accelerate the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this disorder.’<\/p>\n

The team were able to distinguish every long Covid patient from healthy controls using their new brain-imaging technique\u2014a potential breakthrough for diagnosis.<\/p>\n

Researchers now hope the technology could help develop treatments that suppress AMPAR activity, easing brain fog in future patients.<\/p>\n

Long Covid has returned to the spotlight as two new variants\u2014Stratus and Nimbus\u2014sweep through the UK and US, with infection rates doubling since August.<\/p>\n

While experts say the strains do not appear more dangerous than earlier ones, genetic changes may make them slightly more infectious.<\/p>\n

Your browser does not support iframes.<\/p>\n

Your browser does not support iframes.<\/p>\n

Patients have reported familiar Covid symptoms including shortness of breath, chest tightness, sore throat, headaches, body aches and loss of taste or smell.<\/p>\n

But the Stratus strain has been linked in particular to a persistent dry cough, tiredness and fever.<\/p>\n

In the UK, ministers have repeatedly said they will not impose lockdowns again unless a ‘doomsday’ variant emerges.<\/p>\n

A wall of immunity built up through repeated infections and vaccine rollouts has given officials confidence to consign pandemic-era restrictions to history\u2014although people are still being urged to wear masks and stay at home if infected.<\/p>\n

Spikes in Covid cases can still cause mass illness, leading to staff shortages in schools, hospitals and public transport.<\/p>\n

However, officials no longer monitor the virus as closely as they once did, as part of the Government’s drive to return to pre-pandemic normality.<\/p>\n

The Living with Covid guidance <\/p>\n

The UKHSA urges Britons with symptoms who cannot isolate at home to take the following steps:<\/p>\n

Wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face maskAvoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilatedTake any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other peopleCover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food; avoid touching your face <\/p>\n

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