The long-term consequences of Corona are diverse and in some cases still unknown. A study now shows an increased risk of dementia in people who have had a severe course.
Wuhan – What are the risks of contracting the coronavirus? A clear answer to this question is not yet fully possible. However, there are regular new discoveries about what the virus can do to the human body.
A study from China now shows a possible connection between a severe course of corona and the onset of dementia in the year after the illness. These findings could outline the dramatic consequences of the corona pandemic even more clearly.
Study on corona survivors shows connection between severe course and dementia
The patients surveyed were all being treated in spring 2020 in one of three special clinics in Wuhan for the severe course of their corona disease. In the year following their release, they were screened by telephone six months and twelve months later. 1438 study participants were questioned in this way and their cognitive abilities recorded.
The average age of the patients was 69 years – in the additional control group, which consisted of 438 spouses who did not suffer from corona, the average age was 67 years. The control group also underwent the screening. People who were already cognitively impaired before their illness or who suffered from severe heart, liver, kidney or tumor diseases were excluded from the study.
The study comes to the conclusion that among those who had a particularly severe course with severe disorders of lung function, cognitive disorders occurred in the first year after discharge. Ten percent of the patients met the criteria for dementia at screening after just six months. After twelve months it was already 15 percent. A total of 26 percent showed mild cognitive impairment at both screenings, from which dementia can develop.
Around 21 percent of the patients showed a worsening of their condition after twelve months compared to their condition after six months. Almost ten percent of those who have suffered a serious illness showed signs of a cognitive disorder despite no abnormalities after six months at the screening after twelve months.
Study suggests connection between severe Covid course and dementia
The researchers conclude from their findings that there is a connection between severe corona courses and cognitive disorders or dementia. It is pointed out that a disruption in lung function during the disease appears to be a key risk factor.
The scientists’ conclusion states that “surviving Covid-19 is associated with an increased risk of long-term cognitive decline”. This finding underscores “the importance of immediate action to address this challenge.” It is not clear to what extent the results of the study can be transferred to the following variants. In the spring of 2020, neither Delta nor Omikron were known.
Efforts are still being made to research the consequences of illnesses with the coronavirus. A British study recently reported that corona disease can even shrink the brain. (mda) *Merkur.de and tz.de are offered by IPPEN.MEDIA.
List of rubrics: © dpa/Sebastian Gollnow
