Get latest articles and stories on Health at LatestLY. A study shows how SARS-COV-2 infects brain cells called astrocytes, causing structural changes in the brain. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can cause brain alterations and neurocognitive dysfunction, particularly in long COVID-19 syndrome, but the underlying mechanisms are elusive. Health News | Study Describes How COVID-19 Damages the Brain.