The research investigates a long and complex series of biological mechanisms that begin in the gut and ultimately lead to cognitive symptoms in the brain. When serotonin levels were restored using an SSRI, so did cognitive function.Ĭould long COVID brain fog start in the gut? They observed that infected mice had similar issues related to low serotonin and cognitive impairment. Serotonin can also affect the brain and memory.Īs researchers began piecing together the connection between long COVID, low serotonin levels, and cognitive problems in human patients, they also wanted to see if they could confirm their findings in an experimental study, they also wanted to confirm their findings in an experimental study with mice. Serotonin isn’t just a “feel good” hormone but an important part of the body’s biochemistry that regulates bowel function, sleep, and the nervous system. The multi-pronged study began in the post-COVID clinic of the University of Pennsylvania, where researchers identified that patients with long COVID had low levels of serotonin in their bloodstream. Researchers have looked at the connection between serotonin and COVID-19 at various times, but the results have never been so compelling.Īlthough scientists worldwide have attempted to answer questions about the cognitive issues caused by long COVID with varying success, this new research may be the most complete hypothesis about these symptoms and their biological underpinnings. What’s the link between long COVID and low serotonin?Īt the center of the hypothesis is the neurotransmitter serotonin. “ brings together a number of aspects related to COVID-19 and long COVID, as all were shown to be linked to mechanisms associated with gut serotonin,” Keating, who wasn’t affiliated with the research, told Healthline. Damien Keating, PhD, director of the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute at Flinders University in South Australia, whose previously published research explored the link between serotonin in the gut and COVID-19, called the study “groundbreaking.” “The mechanism uncovered by this study highlights one of several ways that COVID and other inflammatory conditions can influence the brain and contribute to “brain fog” symptoms,” Monje added. Monje wasn’t affiliated with the research. Michelle Monje, PhD, a professor of neurology at Stanford University, told Healthline. ![]() “This is a beautiful and important study, Dr. The study is the first to combine different hypotheses about serotonin, the gut, and long COVID into a cohesive, unified theory. Using both human and animal studies, researchers found a link between low circulating serotonin levels in the blood and cognitive problems. Specifically, researchers have discovered a link between brain fog associated with long COVID and diminished serotonin levels. ![]() Research published October 16 in the journal Cell investigates a comprehensive relationship between SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, gut health, and serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Scientists may have unlocked a major piece of the mystery surrounding the mysterious cognitive issues associated with “long COVID,” and potential new treatment options.
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