The effects of COVID-19 on the nervous system are being studied in a new project
For five years, a European research project will investigate the long-term neurological and psychiatric symptoms following infection with SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, something that is becoming a societal problem. Umeå University is one of ten universities in seven countries that are part of the project. Overall, the Neurocov project is about understanding the interaction between the central and peripheral nervous system and the inflammatory response that the immune system triggers during COVID-19 infection.
“We will use population data for the Swedish population to map risk factors and symptomatology for long-term COVID and investigate which neurological/psychiatric aspects exist for individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2”, says Anne-Marie Fors Connolly at Umeå University, who leads the Swedish part of the research in the Neurocov project, and is one of the MIMS Clinical Research Fellows.
It is known that contracting COVID-19 can trigger both temporary and long-term neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. In addition to a reduced sense of smell and taste, it has been established that many suffer from impaired ability to concentrate, have memory problems and an increased risk of suffering a stroke. In a number of people, it has also been possible to see changes in the brain with computed tomography after COVID-19.
One aim of the Neurocov project is to investigate which types of brain cells are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, how the damage occurs and what makes individuals vulnerable or resistant to such complications. The project will map neurological/psychiatric sequelae using registry data from Sweden and Finland, and investigate underlying disease mechanisms and develop practical methods to predict the risk of neurological symptoms.
“Hopefully, the increasing knowledge can open up new knowledge and new future treatments to reduce the long-term effects of COVID-19, which will otherwise be a great strain on society”, says Anne-Marie Fors Connolly.
The Neurocov project is financed by the European Union with 8.4 million Euros. Visit the project's website to find out more: https://neurocov.eu/
Find the original news article in Swedish here: https://www.umu.se/nyheter/covid-19s-effekter-pa-nervsystemet-studeras-i-nytt-projekt_11657628/
For more information, please contact
Anne-Marie Fors Connolly
Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University
Telephone: 073 347 95 06
Email: anne-marie.fors.connolly@umu.se
Note: this article was originally published on the MIMS website: https://www.mims.umu.se/news-events/2108-the-effects-of-covid-19-on-the-nervous-system-are-being-studied-in-a-new-project.html