How COVID-19 Affects the Brain & What Can Help
As a cognitive behavioral psychotherapist, I’ve been hearing from many individuals who are complaining of “brain fog” after infection with COVID-19.
So what is brain fog exactly, and what can you do about it?
First, let’s begin by understanding how COVID-19 affects the brain.
COVID-19 has resulted in more than 120 million cases and 2.6 million deaths to date. COVID-19 can be accompanied by short and long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms. Neuropsychiatric disorders are mental disorders attributable to diseases of the nervous system like COVID-19. Such disorders include seizures. attention deficit disorders, new-onset anxiety, psychosis, seizures, and even suicidal behavior.
Research conducted in Germany and the United Kingdom found post–COVID–19 neuropsychiatric disorders in 20% to 70% of patients, even in young adults, and lasting months after respiratory symptoms resolved,1 suggesting brain involvement persists. [1] It’s important to note that this research is ever-evolving, and there is still much to learn.
SARS-CoV-2 is known to penetrate the olfactory mucosa and may enter the brain. If this happens, the individual may experience brain fog during or after the virus spreads.
Brain fog
The term brain fog is used to describe mental fogginess, fatigue or sluggishness. Think of it as an inability to think clearly, sharply, and precisely. Unrelated to COVID-19, maybe you experienced a mild form of brain fog after hours of working tirelessly, therefore becoming forgetful. Or, when you’re recovering from jet lag. In these circumstances, you usually feel like you can “bounce back” to your normal thinking self after recovery. However, in the context of COVID-related brain fog, perhaps that recovery never happens.
So what can you do?
First, if you are experiencing cognitive challenges such as brain fog, consult with your primary care doctor. Additionally, you can follow the steps below for cognitive fitness provided by Harvard Medical School:
Perform aerobic exercise. You may need to start slow, perhaps just two to three minutes a few times a day. While there is no established “dose” of exercise to improve brain health, it’s generally recommended you work toward 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Eat Mediterranean-style meals. A healthy diet including olive oil, fruits and vegetables, nuts and beans, and whole grains has been proven to improve thinking, memory, and brain health.
Avoid alcohol and drugs. Give your brain the best chance to heal by avoiding substances which can adversely affect it.
Sleep well. Sleep is a time when the brain and body can clear out toxins and work toward healing. Make sure you give your body the sleep it needs.
Participate in social activities. We are social animals. Not only do social activities benefit our moods, but they help our thinking and memory as well.
Pursue other beneficial activities, including engaging in novel, cognitively stimulating activities; listening to music; practicing mindfulness; and keeping a positive mental attitude. [2]
What other holistic therapy tools can help with brain fog?
Consult with your PCP
Track your symptoms
Reduce your stress
Daily mind-body meditation and deep breathing exercises
Consider complementary and alternative medicine modalities to enhance your sleep, diet, lifestyle, and overall life outlook.
Read more here: CDC Brain Fog Q&A: The best way to prevent these long-term complications is to prevent COVID-19. The best strategies for preventing COVID-19 infection in youth and adults are to wear a mask in public places, stay at least 6 feet away from other people, frequently wash your hands, and avoid crowds and confined or poorly ventilated spaces. [3]
Disclosure
This is not medical advice, the purpose of this article is to address a commonly reported symptom and share resources.
References
Boldrini M, Canoll PD, Klein RS. How COVID-19 Affects the Brain. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online March 26, 2021. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.0500
Budson E. Andrew, MD. What is COVID-19 brain fog — and how can you clear it? Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. Published online March 08, 2021.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects.html
