The neuropsychiatric features of Long COVID in older adults and the potential association with neuroinflammation: Preliminary

Author: Sekendiz Z, Caliendo M, Taboada D, An T, Palekar N, Weisenbach S, Kim MJ. 

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Journal of the Neurological Sciences | The neuropsychiatric features of Long COVID in older adults and the potential association with neuroinflammation: Preliminary

Article Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2026.125915

A new study investigates the potential role of neuroinflammation in persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms of Long COVID in older adults. While the biological basis of these symptoms remains unclear, chronic inflammatory processes have been increasingly suspected as a key driver.

In a small cohort study, older adults with Long COVID showed higher levels of depression and fatigue compared to healthy controls. Brain imaging using [18F]FEPPA PET revealed increased markers of neuroinflammation across multiple regions, including cortical and subcortical structures, suggesting a possible link between persistent symptoms and ongoing inflammatory activity.

Read the full article for a deeper look at how neuroinflammation may contribute to Long COVID and what this could mean for future diagnosis and treatment strategies.