Study links Long COVID to fewer dopamine‑producing brain cells

People with Long COVID may have fewer brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical that helps regulate movement, memory, motivation and mood, according to a new study. The findings provide new clues into why many people continue to experience symptoms such as fatigue, poor concentration, memory problems, lack of motivation and slowed movement long after recovering from the initial COVID-19 infection. Long COVID, also known as post-COVID-19 condition, is a condition in which symptoms persist or develop three months after a COVID-19 infection and cannot be explained by another illness. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, "brain fog", memory problems, difficulty concentrating, headaches, muscle pain, sleep disturbances and loss of motivation, with symptoms that may last for months. These symptoms can affect multiple organs, but many patients report persistent neurological and psychiatric problems.