People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID show reduced brain connectivity during mentally demanding tasks, according to new research from Griffith University. The study, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, used advanced MRI technology to analyze brain function in individuals with these conditions.
Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik from the National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases at Griffith University explained that the research focused on neurological symptoms common to both ME/CFS and Long COVID. "The symptoms include cognitive difficulties, such as memory problems, difficulties with attention and concentration, and slowed thinking," Professor Marshall-Gradisnik said.
Lead author and PhD candidate Maira Inderyas described how participants completed a cognitive test inside an MRI machine to measure their brain activity. The findings suggest that cognitive effort is not only tiring for people with ME/CFS or Long COVID but can also have measurable neurological effects. According to the researchers, adequate rest is essential for those affected.
The study utilized one of only two ultra-high field MRI machines available in Australia. Funding was provided by ME Research UK and the Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation.
The full paper is titled 'Distinct functional connectivity patterns in myalgic encephalomyelitis and Long COVID patients during cognitive fatigue: a 7 Tesla task-fMRI study.'
