Episode 12 - Genes, Brains and Pain: The Genetic Basis of ME/CFS

In this special “mini episode” of the COVID Longhaulers Podcast Emerson discusses the preliminary results of the DecodeME study – the largest genetic investigation ever conducted on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).With over 15,000 DNA samples analyzed, the study identified eight key genetic signals associated with ME/CFS, offering the first concrete biological clues to the cause of this long-dismissed disease. Emerson explains what these findings mean, how they validate the lived experience of patients, and why this is such a critical shift in the medical understanding of ME/CFS.You’ll also learn how the study was designed, why it matters that severely ill, housebound participants were included, and what questions still remain.You can find a written version of this episode with our sources on substack here. The transcript is available here. And you can view our glossary here. If you liked this episode, we hope you will click subscribe so that you don’t miss any of our future episodes. You can join our discord server here and if you would like to be a guest on our podcast in the future, you can apply here. Find all our other links here.Please note, that the information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have health related issues or believe that you are suffering from Long Covid, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice and treatment you need. We will not be liable for any direct, indirect or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.