New study out of Stanford University suggests Covid brain fog and chemo brain might overlap

Researchers say Covid brain fog may mirror chemo brain — and Alzheimer's.

The major premise of a new study, according to a recent story by Ariana Eunjung Cha in The Washington Post, is that the brain inflammation in so-called long Covid is similar to that in cancer patients.

Dr. Michelle Monje

The study by Stanford University neuroscientist Dr. Michelle Monje, the article states, "is part of a crucial and growing body of research that suggests similarities in the mechanisms of post-covid cognitive changes and other long-studied brain conditions, including 'chemo brain,' Alzheimer's and other post-viral syndromes following infections with influenza, Epstein-Barr, HIV or Ebola."

Avindra Nath, intramural clinical director of the neurological disorders and stroke unit of the National Institutes of Health, declares that "there is humongous overlap" between long-Covid and those other conditions.

Monje, the Post article says, "was fascinated" to find similar brain changes among patients with chemo brain and Covid brain fog. "It was really quite striking," she's quoted as saying.

In cancer patients undergoing treatment, the article notes, a malfunction in brain cells that serve as the organ's surveillance and defense system, cells known as microglia, is "believed to be a cause of the fuzzy thinking that many describe. Scientists have also theorized that in Alzheimer's disease, these cells may be impeded, making it difficult for them to counteract the cellular war and tear of aging."

The study by Monje, a MacArthur "genius" grant recipient, involved her collaborating with Akiko Iwasaki, a Yale University immunobiologist who's become one of the leading voices on the coronavirus, and David Putrino, director of rehabilitation innovation for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York. 

The Post story also reports that "another team of researchers from Harvard and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have highlighted how both in Covid-19 and chronic fatigue syndrome, too many oxygen molecules pile up in a cell — possibly resulting in inflammation that leads to cognitive issues."

In addition, Cha's article points out that "an examination of brain autopsy tissue by a Columbia University professor from 10 patients who died of Covid-19 turned up a molecular change bearing the distinct signature of Alzheimer's." 

More information about chemo brain can be found in "Rollercoaster: How a man can survive his partner's breast cancer," a VitalityPress book that I, Woody Weingarten, aimed at male caregivers.

If you're done gawking, check out 'Rollercoaster'

This won't inform you about chocolate, Dr. Sheldon Cooper's brain or Miley Cyrus' butt, but…

Twerking champ Miley Cyrus

This blog item is a total tease.

So are its accompanying photos, which I, Woody Weingarten, carefully selected to snag your attention.

Mmm good but not Campbell's.

It's not, although you might prefer to focus on what's pictured below — about chocolate. 

It's not about twerking, either. 

Or about "The Big Bang Theory."

It's not even about the sexual predators on "Law & Order, Special Victims Unit" or about whether the San Francisco Giants can be World Series winners again this fall — or next — or whether the 49ers will will another game at all.

Jim Parsons plays neurotic Dr. Sheldon Cooper
\ on smash TV sitcom, "The Big Bang Theory."

Its sole purpose is to get you to click on the link to "Rollercoaster: How a man can survive his partner's breast cancer," my book about male caregiving.

And then, I hope, to buy a paperback, ebook or hardcover version.

I'm told direct pitches like that don't work. I'm hoping you'll prove the "experts" wrong.

"Rollercoaster," just to boost your information quotient, is a memoir-chronicle, a love story, and an up-to-the-inute guide to research, meds and where to get help.

It illustrates that most couples can successfully deal with breast cancer, "slash, poison and burn" treatments, fear, and the repercussions of it all — and that there truly can be light at the end of the tunnel.

Although the emphasis of "Rollercoaster" is on breast cancer, any caregiver — particular those who are there for patients with AIDs, Alzheimer's or a life-threatening disease — can benefit from the book.

It's available at most bookstores (just tell 'em Ingram distributes it) — or Amazon.

If you want to check out some recent media attention given to "Rollercoaster," try the "Ten Percent" cable TV show, a short KCBS interview or an Examiner.com piece.

I'm counting on you to help me help those guys who feel overwhelmed by what they and their partners are facing.

Blog praises Woody Weingarten's caregiving book

Veteran author, blogger thinks 'Rollercoaster' helps male caregivers cope with cancer

The main subject of a new Goodreads blog is that  "Rollercoaster" can assist male caregivers in dealing with breast cancer.

Veteran blogger-journalist-novelist-publicist Debbie Cohen writes about what "sometimes slips through the cracks" after diagnosis — a "male partner's concurrent need for assurance in his new role as…primary caregiver."

Debbie Cohen

She says that being "expected to be a pillar of strength…can be a frightening experience for many men. To help that fear, veteran journalist Woody Weingarten has written an important book titled "Rollercoaster: How a man can survive his partner's breast cancer."

It's "exactly the type of book that Weingarten could have used himself," she notes. "He lost his first wife to breast cancer."

Although the book's focus is on breast cancer, her blog continues, "any caregivers, particularly those who are there for patients with AIDs, Alzheimers or, indeed, any life-threatening or altering disease, would benefit from it."

"Rollercoaster" is a memoir-chronicle, a love story, and an up-to-the-minute guide to research, meds, and where to get help.

Debbie's blog is appropriately titled "Why We Need More Books and Advocacy On Behalf of Male Caregivers."

Her first book, "Keeper of the Scale," which deals with body image and the power of female friendships in forming a "diet buddy" threesome.  It is available in both paperback and in ebook format.