Researchers find corona scales
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A new German study provides information on specific long-term cognitive consequences after a corona infection.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the term “Long Covid” has stood for continuing complaints after a Corona disease. Now a current study by SRH University in Heidelberg shows that memory can also be particularly affected.
In the specialist magazine Scientific Reports the results of an online study with over 1,400 participants were published. The researchers examined how an earlier Corona infection affects cognitive performance. Particularly noticeable was an impairment in the so -called “pattern separation” – that is, the distinction between similar memories.
Hippocampus brain region affected
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This ability is controlled by the hippocampus, a central memory region in the brain. The study authors report that the impairment occurs regardless of age, level of education, stress or mental previous illnesses. Other cognitive functions such as the flexibility of thinking or general memory remained unaffected according to analysis.
Memory disorder clearly occupied for the first time
“For the first time in a large sample, our results clearly prove a specific memory disorder after a COVID-19 disease, which cannot be explained by mental stress or general physical exhaustion,” said study director Patric Meyer from the Heidelberg campus of the SRH University compared to the German health portal.
The researchers suspect an inflammatory reaction triggered by the virus in the brain as a possible cause of the observed changes.
Common questions about memory disorders about Corona
What kind of memory disorder was determined?
Above all, the ability to distinguish similar memories is affected – a function of the hippocampus. According to the study, general memory performance was preserved.
Who is affected by this cognitive impairment?
The memory disorder was observed regardless of age, educational level or mentally – potentially, every person can be affected after an infection.
What are the causes of the researchers?
The study suggests that an inflammation triggered by the virus could be responsible for impairment. The exact mechanism is still the subject of research.
Are there any treatment options for the memory disorder?
There is currently no specific therapy for this form of disorder. Those affected should discuss changes with medical specialist staff. Research on long -term consequences continues.
