Blood clots during COVID-19 may be a cause of ongoing cognitive problems

By SWA

Could Blood Clots During COVID-19 Be Causing Ongoing Cognitive Issues?

September 2, 2023

I've been raising this issue for over two years: could blood clots during COVID-19 be the root cause of persistent cognitive symptoms like brain fog?
Elevated D-dimer levels suggest thrombosis—so why not in the brain, where clots could block critical areas like the hypothalamus, interfering with hormonal signaling?

New research supports this possibility.

A recent Oxford study found that high levels of two specific proteins during acute COVID-19 are linked to later cognitive issues. The clue? Blood clots.

"High levels of two proteins at the time of COVID-19 have been found in patients who later experienced cognitive problems, including ‘brain fog’, giving a major clue as to one cause of their symptoms: blood clots."
Read more: Oxford News

The Big Question: How Do We Remove Clots in the Brain?

If microclots are indeed forming in the brain, we’re left with a critical therapeutic question:
Can we use anticoagulants like heparin to treat them—safely and effectively?

Can Heparin Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)?

Heparin is a widely used anticoagulant, but it’s a large molecule and does not easily cross the BBB under normal conditions. The BBB is a protective barrier that blocks most large or potentially harmful substances from reaching the brain.

However, there are some exceptions:

  • In cases of traumatic brain injury or neurosurgery, the BBB may be compromised, possibly allowing limited drug access.

  • Experimental research is exploring modified heparin molecules or drug delivery systems (e.g. nanoparticles, intranasal delivery) that might help bypass the BBB.

As of now, these methods are not part of standard clinical treatment.

Final Thoughts

If microclots are obstructing brain regions post-COVID, especially those involved in cognitive or hormonal regulation, we need to ask:

  • How do we detect them?

  • How do we safely dissolve them?

  • Can anticoagulant therapy be adapted to cross the BBB without causing harm?

These questions are urgent—and still unanswered.

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Disclaimer: By accessing and reading this blog, you acknowledge that the information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content is intended to address commonly asked questions and is derived from reputable scientific literature. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or conditions.

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742 ISBN: 0-9703195-0-9

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