“The data suggests that it is not an isolated change, but rather a larger networked system in the brain,” said Wolfgang Weber-Fahr, working group leader at the ZI. Particularly relevant: Lower ATP/PCr values in the front part of the cingulate cortex were associated with poorer results in cognitive tests.
Claudia Schilling, head of the sleep laboratory at the ZI, explained: “We see a connection between energy markers in the anterior cingulate cortex and cognitive performance. This suggests that a disturbed supply of energy in this brain region could contribute to the thinking and concentration problems in post-Covid.”
Around half of the post-Covid sufferers examined also met the criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This serious illness is associated with extreme exhaustion and a significant worsening of symptoms after physical or mental stress. In a subgroup analysis, these participants showed similar metabolic changes to post-Covid patients without ME/CFS. This suggests that comparable biological mechanisms could be at work in both groups.
The new study provides important clues, but no final answers. The researchers show connections between altered energy metabolism and cognitive complaints, but do not prove a specific cause. The team is discussing possible triggers, among other things, dysfunction of the mitochondria, i.e. the “power plants of the cells”, inflammatory changes or circulatory disorders in the brain. Nevertheless, the researchers see their results as an important step towards better understanding post-Covid.
date: 2026-02-11 09:27:00