Long COVID brain fog may originate in a surprising place, say scientists

Corona virus

Radoslav Zilinsky / Radoslav Zilinsky

Scientists have uncovered a possible explanation for one of COVID-19’s most vexing legacies: the stubborn neurological symptoms of long COVID, such as brain fog, memory loss and fatigue.

The first clue emerged when researchers scoured the blood of long COVID patients: It was serotonin – specifically, a lack of the neurotransmitter circulating in the body — that grabbed their attention.

Their analysis revealed that having low levels of that chemical predicted whether or not someone was suffering from persistent symptoms following an infection.