University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 61 adults about 8 months after COVID were scanned by MRI.
Those with persistent smell loss showed structural changes in the amygdala linked to smell and emotion, along with higher anxiety and depression scores.
“COVID-19 survivors show signs of significant cognitive deficits which could become dementia even a year after having the virus.. The team [in India] found that more than 80% of people tested reported at least one of four symptoms – depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia – ranging from mild to severe.. At least 6.1% of the patients were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and 4% developed dementia. More than 60% of the patients experienced a loss of taste and smell during the active phase of the infection. This could alter the function of brain areas linked to cognitive ability and emotional well-being.."
