Researchers employed a specialised mind imaging method to determine a possible biomarker and therapeutic goal for Lengthy COVID.
Greater than 4 years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists are still working to fully understand the lingering effects of infection with SARS-CoV-2. One of the most concerning outcomes is Long COVID, a chronic condition that can emerge after the initial illness and bring a wide range of lasting health problems.
Among its most common and disruptive symptoms is cognitive impairment, often described as “brain fog.” Studies suggest that over 80% of people living with Long COVID experience this issue, which can make it difficult to work or handle daily responsibilities. With hundreds of millions of cases worldwide, the condition has become both a major public health concern and a growing socioeconomic burden.
Despite how widespread Long COVID is, its root causes remain unclear. Some imaging studies have revealed changes in brain structure, but these findings have not explained the molecular processes that lead to cognitive symptoms. Because the molecules that regulate communication between neurons are extremely difficult to study directly, researchers currently lack objective biomarkers that could confirm a Long COVID diagnosis or guide the development of effective treatments.
A Breakthrough in Brain Imaging
To address this challenge, a research team led by Professor Takuya Takahashi from the Graduate School of Medicine at Yokohama City University, Japan, has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the cause of Long COVID brain fog.
As explained in their paper, published in Brain Communications on October 1, 2025, the team hypothesized that patients with brain fog might exhibit disrupted expression of AMPA receptors (AMPARs)—key molecules for memory and learning—based on prior research into psychiatric and neurological disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and dementia. Thus, they used a novel method called [11C]Ok-2 AMPAR PET imaging to immediately visualize and quantify the density of AMPARs within the dwelling human mind.
By evaluating imaging information from 30 sufferers with Lengthy COVID to 80 wholesome people, the researchers discovered a notable and widespread improve within the density of AMPARs throughout the brains of sufferers. This elevated receptor density was immediately correlated with the severity of their cognitive impairment, suggesting a transparent hyperlink between these molecular adjustments and the signs. Moreover, the concentrations of assorted inflammatory markers had been additionally correlated with AMPAR ranges, indicating a attainable interplay between irritation and receptor expression.
Towards New Diagnostic and Therapy Methods
Taken collectively, the examine’s findings signify an important step ahead in addressing many unresolved points relating to Lengthy COVID. The systemic improve in AMPARs supplies a direct organic rationalization for the cognitive signs, highlighting a goal for potential therapies. For instance, medication that suppress AMPAR exercise may very well be a viable method to mitigate mind fog. Apparently, the group’s evaluation additionally demonstrated that imaging information can be utilized to tell apart sufferers from wholesome controls with 100% sensitivity and 91% specificity.
“By making use of our newly developed AMPA receptor PET imaging know-how, we purpose to supply a novel perspective and revolutionary options to the urgent medical problem that’s Lengthy COVID,” remarks Prof. Takahashi.
Whereas additional efforts shall be wanted to discover a definitive answer for Lengthy COVID, this work is a promising step in the correct path. “Our findings clearly show that Lengthy COVID mind fog needs to be acknowledged as a legit scientific situation. This might encourage the healthcare business to speed up the event of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this dysfunction,” concludes Prof. Takahashi.
In abstract, the group’s findings resolve key uncertainties in regards to the organic foundation of Lengthy COVID mind fog and will pave the way in which for novel diagnostic instruments and efficient therapies for sufferers affected by this situation.
Reference: “Systemic improve of AMPA receptors related to cognitive impairment of lengthy COVID” by Yu Fujimoto, Hiroki Abe, Tsuyoshi Eiro, Sakiko Tsugawa, Meiro Tanaka, Mai Hatano, Waki Nakajima, Sadamitsu Ichijo, Tetsu Arisawa, Yuuki Takada, Kimito Kimura, Akane Sano, Koichi Hirahata, Nobuyuki Sasaki, Yuichi Kimura and Takuya Takahashi, 1 October 2025, Mind Communications.
DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaf337
This scientific trial mission was supported by donations from the READYFOR crowdfunding platform (https://readyfor.jp/). This mission was partially supported by Takeda Science Basis (T.T.), the Japan Company for Medical Analysis and Growth (AMED) below grant numbers JP24wm0625304 (T.T.), and JST by way of the Institution of College Fellowships In direction of the Creation of Science Know-how Innovation program, below grant JPMJFS2140 (Y.F.).
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