A recent study highlights the long-term impacts of COVID-19, revealing that severe cases can lead to cognitive decline equivalent to 20 years of aging. As of October 1, 2024, Germany has reported nearly 39 million COVID-19 cases, with around 2.8 million hospitalizations, including approximately 500,000 intensive care admissions.
The research indicates that up to 2 million individuals may suffer from long COVID, experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, depression, and cognitive issues, including memory and perception problems. Conducted by British researchers, the study found that patients hospitalized due to severe COVID-19 exhibited diminished cognitive performance compared to healthy individuals after a year and a half.
Dr. Greta Wood, a lead researcher, emphasized that many patients reported ongoing cognitive symptoms, often referred to as 'brain fog.' The study also noted significant reductions in brain volume in critical areas and elevated levels of brain injury markers in the patients' blood. The findings underscore that COVID-19 is not merely a respiratory illness, but can have profound neurological effects.