Elevated tau in Long COVID patients raises risk for neurodegenerative diseases

TLDR

A study published in eBioMedicine found that individuals with Long COVID neurocognitive symptoms showed a significant increase in tau protein levels, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study, which involved 227 individuals with neurological post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (N-PASC), showed a 59% increase in tau levels post-infection. This increase was not observed in a control group of individuals who did not develop Long COVID symptoms. The findings suggest that Long COVID could potentially lead to cognitive difficulties that worsen over time, although further research is needed to determine the exact implications.

A study of 227 individuals who experienced neuro cognitive difficulties post COVID-19 infection – such as headaches, vertigo, balance dysregulation, changes in taste/smell, and brain fog – displayed a significant increase in their blood plasma of a crucial protein called tau, which is found in nerves and especially in the brain. Excess levels of tau are linked to neurodegenerative diseases and found in many Alzheimer's patients.