Short Wave How COVID-19 Affects The Brain
Jan 14, 2021
Join Jon Hamilton, NPR science correspondent with a focus on health and science, as he sheds light on the lingering effects of COVID-19 on brain health. He discusses how many survivors experience cognitive decline and memory issues even after hospitalization. The conversation reveals the troubling phenomenon of anosmia, linking loss of smell to wider neurological damage. With ongoing research uncovering potential long-term disabilities and serious impairments, Hamilton emphasizes the urgent need to understand the virus's lasting impact.
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David Williams' Cognitive Struggles
- David Williams, a veteran, struggled with cognitive issues after being on a ventilator for COVID-19.
- He had difficulty recalling things and forming words, illustrating the brain's vulnerability to the virus.
Early Hints of Direct Brain Impact
- Doctors initially focused on blood clots and oxygen deprivation as causes of brain damage in COVID-19 patients.
- However, the loss of smell (anosmia) suggested a more direct impact on the brain.
Loss of Smell and Brain Invasion
- Loss of smell, a distinct COVID-19 symptom, hinted at direct brain involvement.
- Olfactory nerve cells' connection to the brain provides a pathway for viral invasion.