Responding to long COVID

Actress Marilu Henner has hyperthymesia, aka highly superior autobiographical memory, which allows her to recall in precise detail all the events in her life. Around 60 people worldwide share this ability.

Seems that for some folks who contract COVID-19, the immune system has such an overactive memory, too. Four recent studies shine light on how immune system inflammation triggers long COVID-19 and how it persists.

You can “recover” from COVID-19 and months later, get hit with brain fog, fatigue and other symptoms of long COVID-19. And a study that looked at data on around 3,000 participants in the COVID Symptom Study Biobank found that symptoms of long COVID-19, such as problems with memory, attention, reasoning, processing speed and motor control, could persist for two years or more, especially for folks who had severe COVID-19. But mental problems aren’t the only symptoms. Cardiovascular problems are related, too.

There are new reports of a “Blue Leg Symptom” that’s caused by standing up. Your legs turn red, then blue, with veins bulging, and skin itching. It’s the result of a substantial, abnormal increase in heart rate — and doctors may not associate it with having had COVID-19. Other unexpected symptoms of long COVID-19 include sleep disturbances, breathing problems, loss of taste and smell, and skin rashes.

I suggest that if you’re contending with suspected symptoms of long COVID-19 you consider joining a clinical trial. The NIH is opening enrollment in several associated with the RECOVER study. Check out https://trials. RECOVERCovid.org.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, “The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow,” and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@ longevityplaybook.com.