According to the CDC, long Covid can encompass various symptoms that persist for several months after recovering from a Covid-19 infection, including shortness of breath, headaches, joint or muscle pain, dizziness, and difficulty thinking or concentrating, known as brain fog.

Researchers analyzed data from 81,337 people who took the Great British Intelligence Test in 2020. From this data, approximately 13,000 reported that they had been infected with Covid-19, and 275 of them completed tests before and after the infection. The researchers found that people who received ventilator treatment during Covid-19 showed the most substantial effects. On average, their Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores decreased by 7 points.

Since December 2020, researchers have been observing 120 French patients, on average, almost four months after they were infected. They found that 34% reported memory loss, 28% experienced difficulty concentrating, and 31% had trouble sleeping. Another study identified neurological symptoms in 82% of 419 patients at some point during their illness, including around one-third with impaired mental function.

What Is Brain Fog?

Brain fog is a condition in which a person finds it difficult to concentrate and cannot focus when thinking about something. Brain fog is not a disease but rather a symptom of certain conditions or illnesses that can affect a person's ability to think and remember.

Why Can Covid-19 Cause Brain Fog?

According to Neurology Specialist Dr. dr. Yuda Turana, Sp.S, a study in 2006 showed that the brain's memory center (the hippocampus) is highly vulnerable to inflammation and swelling.

Another study published in Cancer Cell found an increase in the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the fluid surrounding the brain a few weeks after someone is infected with the coronavirus. These cytokines are molecules produced by the immune system that play a role in promoting inflammation. As a result of brain inflammation, the ability of neurons to communicate is hindered. Researchers believe that this condition may be one of the factors contributing to the onset of brain fog. Furthermore, researchers have identified changes in the microstructure of the hippocampus and other parts of the brain after exposure to the coronavirus.

What Are the Symptoms of Brain Fog?

- Headaches
- Slower thinking and needing more time to complete daily tasks
- Feeling confused
- Disrupted mental clarity
- Difficulty organizing thoughts
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty finding words

How to Deal with Brain Fog?

1. Get Adequate Sleep:

   Having enough sleep can help clear toxins that can contribute to brain fog. Make sure to get around 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Avoid using electronic devices like phones, laptops, or televisions before bedtime.

2. Try New Things:

   Trying new things can help increase the production of chemicals in the brain called norepinephrine. This chemical stimulates the brain to work optimally, reducing your risk of experiencing brain fog. Try taking different routes to work, listening to various types of music, or engaging in activities you haven't tried before.

3. Avoid Multitasking:

   Try practicing focusing your attention on one thing at a time. When you lose focus, perform activities more slowly while refocusing your attention on the task at hand.

4. Train Your Brain's Memory:

   If you tend to forget things, try sharpening your memory to remember small things. For example, if someone tells you their name, repeating it back to them can help you remember it.

5. Take Mental Breaks:

   Brain fog can also be caused by stress and depression. Meditation can help reduce stress and relax your brain and body.

6. Be Actively Social:

   Participating in social activities can improve your mood, memory, and cognition. Being active in activities you enjoy can also reduce the risk of stress.

7. Engage in Deep Thinking:

   If you've read an article, take 10 minutes to think about the content of the article.

8. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:

   Exercise regularly and consume healthy foods. Avoid alcohol and the use of medications without a doctor's prescription.

9. Boost Nutrition with Supplements:

   Consider taking supplements that may help combat brain fog, such as Vitamin D, Omega-3, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B complex, and L-theanine.

If you experience symptoms that may lead to brain fog after being exposed to COVID-19, consult a specialist for treatment.

Let's start being more aware of ourselves, as there is no one else who will love us more than ourselves, and it all begins with self-care.

Author: Fitri Ratulangi, A.Md, Kep.