8 ways to overcome brain fog, memory loss after COVID-Life Health

One of the most common neurological symptoms noted in post-COVID is brain fog, memory loss. Why you have brain fog and how to fix it will be informed in the article of TS.BS. Le Thanh Hai – Director of Thua Thien Hue Lung Hospital below.

Some studies show that as much as 60-80% patient experience memory problems and slow thinking after COVID and this can be long-lasting.

Some patients describe “brain fog” that makes them feel foggy in their thoughts, as if an impenetrable fog blocks access to thoughts.

Abnormalities caused by brain fog can affect memory, visual and spatial skills, executive function, and the ability to process information. When essential brain functions aren’t working properly, it’s hard for you to understand, focus, and even remember simple things.

Basically, when brain fog occurs, your brain doesn’t serve the requests as well as you would expect. Brain fog often occurs along with other persistent COVID symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, poor sleep quality, etc.

Some patients describe “brain fog” that makes them feel foggy in their thoughts.

1. Mechanism COVID-19 causes brain fog- Due to increased cytokines, increased inflammatory response in the brain is excessive

Many studies show increased levels of local inflammatory cytokines in the brain for weeks after COVID-19 infection. In simple terms, cytokines are molecules produced by the immune system that are involved in fighting viral infections. SARS-CoV-2. However, an excessive and uncontrolled inflammatory response in the brain interferes with transmission between neurons and can contribute to brain fog.

– Due to brain hypoxia during COVID

The first imaging studies of neurological damage in COVID-19 patients have found similar metabolic disturbances in both the brains of COVID patients and those with prolonged hypoxia. Limited blood flow to the brain and prolonged brain hypoxia during COVID disrupts connections between nerve cells, which interferes with the delivery of oxygen and energy to needed brain regions.

The mechanism just mentioned is called synaptic dysfunction and is one of the leading causes of COVID-19 brain fog symptoms after the virus has disappeared.

– Due to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system

In a healthy person, the autonomic nervous system regularly sends messages from the brain to the heart, intestines, stomach, and other organs to regulate up or down activity. This is done with the help of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

However, in post-COVID patients, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are often unstable, so it is difficult to adjust the body to each situation that arises.

– Due to disorders of other organs affecting brain activity

Finally, some patients may experience brain fog indirectly as a result of dysfunction of other organs in the body, such as vision disturbances. For example, blurred vision after COVID due to conjunctivitis or retinopathy, causes brain fatigue and can eventually lead to brain fog, fatigue, feeling overwhelmed and more.

2. How to overcome brain fog, memory loss after COVID

Living with COVID can be long and challenging, but there are a few things you can do at home to help recover from memory loss and brain fog:

2.1 Practice breathing exercises

In fact, during consultations, doctors discover that many patients simply forget to practice breathing because they are so focused on other remedies. After counseling, many patients persist in breathing exercises and the results of brain fog and memory loss are spectacular.

Simply, you need to practice breathing exercises early every day:

– Sit with your back straight, one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest;

– Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose and feel your belly expand;

– Then slowly exhale through the mouth;

– Repeat 5-6 times a day, each time for 10-15 minutes.

Persistent breathing exercises help overcome brain fog.

2.2 Rest and get enough sleep after COVID

A bad night’s sleep won’t have a big impact, but recurrent sleep deprivation can make your brain fog and memory loss worse. Getting enough rest and trying to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night is a way to help quickly and effectively reduce brain fog and memory loss.

2.3 Adopt a good brain diet

An unbalanced diet can make it difficult for your brain to focus. Diets high in sugar, saturated fat, or high in calories are bad for neurological function, by increasing levels of oxidative stress and hindering cognitive functions.

On the contrary, some nutrient-rich foods can actually help your brain function more smoothly, for example, you should prioritize foods high in omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, beans and nuts. ; while avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods.

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are good for the brain.

2.4 Provide enough water and fluids for the body

Drink an average of 8 glasses (200ml drinking glasses) per day. Increase the amount of fluid for the body such as fruit juices, soups, soups … daily. Staying hydrated is one of the important keys to recovering from prolonged COVID symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, etc. and including brain fog, memory loss after COVID.

2.5 Increase exercise, walk with deep breathing daily

In addition to brain fog, memory loss, you also have other accompanying symptoms such as shortness of breath, shortness of breath, fatigue … which may make it difficult for your daily work. However, even gentle exercise can help your recovery. If you can’t run, then walk, but try to be active regularly. Walking 30 minutes a day, walking with deep breathing all help increase blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.

2.6 Sort the tasks and break down the tasks in a day

To control fatigue and reduce memory effectively, don’t rush to work and take it slow. If you have a lot of work to do, try to prioritize the important tasks of the day when you feel most energetic. Breaking things down can make you feel in control, don’t run out of energy, and don’t dull your memory and thinking.

Organized work is a way for you to deal with memory loss.

2.7 Connect with your friends and family

Whether it’s face-to-face, over the phone or via email, increase your communication with friends and family. Connecting with other people can make you feel better and keep your brain functioning better.

2.8 See a mental health professional

Finally, if you have any severe mood symptoms, you should see a cognitive behavioral therapist for further advice and guidance.