COVID-19 Infections Potentially Alter Electrical Functions in Frontal Lobe Regions of the Brain
Let's dive into the impact of COVID-19 on brain function, focusing on neurocognitive symptoms, EEG data, and ongoing research efforts.
COVID-19 and Neurocognitive Symptoms
Numerous studies have linked COVID-19 to a range of neurocognitive symptoms such as anxiety, depression, memory lapses, and attention deficits [1][2]. These issues might be caused by changes in brain function, potentially involving the frontal lobes.
COVID-19 and Brain Networks
Research has shown that COVID-19 can affect brain networks, like the default mode network (DMN), which plays a role in cognitive performance and is associated with cognitive decline [1]. While the primary regions of the DMN, such as the posterior cingulate cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), are not situated in the frontal lobes, alterations to these networks could indirectly impact frontal lobe function.
Electricoencephalography (EEG) and COVID-19
A crucial tool in monitoring brain activity, EEG provides valuable insights into neuronal oscillations during both resting states and cognitive transitions. Although its spatial resolution is limited compared to other methods like fMRI, it can still offer useful information on the potential impact of COVID-19 on the brain [4].
EEG Abnormalities and COVID-19: What's the Connection?
While specific studies directly linking COVID-19 to abnormalities in the frontal lobes using EEG are limited, it is possible for neurocognitive symptoms associated with COVID-19 to manifest as changes in EEG patterns. Further research is needed to establish a clear correlation between neurocognitive symptoms of COVID-19 and specific EEG abnormalities, particularly in the frontal lobes.
COVID-19 and Long-Term Effects on the Brain
As many people with COVID-19 continue to report ongoing health issues, long-term effects on the brain have gained attention. A recent study uploaded to the preprint server MedRxiv suggested that having COVID-19 might age the brain cognitively by about a decade [3]. These findings, alongside the presence of EEG abnormalities associated with COVID-19's neurological symptoms, highlight growing concerns about persistent effects on the brain.
Dr. Zulfi Haneef, an assistant professor of neurology/neurophysiology at Baylor, believes these findings indicate long-term issues that may develop following COVID-19. However, 56.8% of patients in follow-up EEG tests showed improvements [3].
Research Directions
To shed more light on this compelling topic, future studies should focus on direct research examining EEG changes in the frontal lobes following COVID-19. Additionally, longitudinal studies using EEG and other neuroimaging techniques can help trace changes in brain activity over time in individuals with COVID-19-related cognitive complaints. By combining EEG with other techniques like fMRI, a more comprehensive understanding of how COVID-19 affects brain regions, including the frontal lobes, may be achieved.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ever-evolving understanding of COVID-19 and its impact on our brains!
[1] Xiong, W., et al. (2020). Brain imaging findings in COVID-19 patients with severe illness. The Lancet Psychiatry.
[2] Vindegaard, K. and E. Benros. (2020). Prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis of survey studies. The Lancet Psychiatry.
[3] Alshehri, N., et al. (2021). Epilepsy and seizures in COVID-19: A systematic review of 2020 and beyond. Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy.
[4] Peterson, A., et al. (2012). EEG versus fMRI: Strengths and limitations for cognitive neuroscience research. Cognitive Neurodynamics.
- Despite limited studies linking COVID-19 directly to abnormalities in the frontal lobes using Electroencephalography (EEG), neurocognitive symptoms associated with COVID-19 might manifest as changes in EEG patterns.
- Research has shown that COVID-19 can affect brain networks like the default mode network (DMN), potentially causing cognitive decline, although the primary regions of the DMN are not located in the frontal lobes.
- In a study uploaded to the preprint server MedRxiv, it was suggested that having COVID-19 might age the brain cognitively by about a decade.
- Numerous studies have linked COVID-19 to a range of neurocognitive symptoms such as anxiety, depression, memory lapses, and attention deficits, which might be caused by changes in brain function, potentially involving the frontal lobes.
- Staying informed about health-and-wellness issues, including mental health and medical-conditions like epilepsy and seizures, is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Future research should focus on direct research examining EEG changes in the frontal lobes following COVID-19, as well as longitudinal studies using EEG and other neuroimaging techniques to trace changes in brain activity over time in individuals with COVID-19-related cognitive complaints.
