CAMH PET Scans Link Long COVID Symptoms to Dopamine Neuron Loss in 5% of Global Population
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · Jul 26
CAMH PET Scans Link Long COVID Symptoms to Dopamine Neuron Loss in 5% of Global Population
1 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · Jul 26
Summary
PET scans from CAMH found significantly lower dopamine-neuron markers across all major parts of the striatum in people with long COVID, offering what researchers called the strongest evidence yet of brain injury tied to the condition.
The imaging linked specific deficits to symptoms: lower ventral striatum signals tracked loss of motivation, dorsal putamen reductions matched slower movement, and caudate putamen declines were associated with memory problems.
The findings also fit earlier CAMH research showing elevated brain inflammation in the same dopamine-rich regions, strengthening the case that inflammation may be damaging dopamine-releasing neurons.
Long COVID affects an estimated 5% of the global population, yet no evidence-based treatments exist; the new results point to testing dopamine-boosting drugs, with CAMH and UHN planning a clinical trial.