The COVID pandemic has introduced many scientific and medical terms into our everyday language. Many of us are now fluent in conversations about viral strains, PCR tests and mortality rates. “Brain fog” has joined these ranks to describe a now-familiar symptom of COVID and long COVID.
What is Brain fog :
Brain fog is not a medical diagnosis, but rather the description patients tend to use for their symptoms. Brain fog is what doctors refer to as “cognitive dysfunction”. This describes problems with closely linked tasks such as concentration, information processing, memory, thinking and reasoning, and making sense of language.
Brain fog is exactly what it sounds like: a feeling something like being shrouded by a thick fog, not quite able to grasp ideas, feeling confused or disoriented, and having trouble concentrating or recalling memories. Sufferers describe experiences with brain fog as lapses in memory & concentration, with some saying they “put food on the gas stove and walked away for over an hour, only noticing when they were burning”. Other people say they “forget how to do normal routines like running a meeting at work”.
It can make even simple tasks like grocery shopping very difficult: navigating the car park, remembering a list of items to buy, switching attention between products and prices, and reading ingredients can be confusing, overwhelming and exhausting. It can be unpleasant in the short term, but over time can make it difficult to work and maintain social activities. It can also take a toll on relationships, and change the way we see ourselves personally and professionally.
One recent study asked people with long COVID about their experiences with brain fog. They reported feeling guilt and shame, especially about how brain fog had affected their ability to return to work and their relationships. While the symptoms of brain fog can be similar to those experienced by people with Alzheimer’s
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Brain Fog linked to Covid ?
Brain fog was one of the most common symptoms to emerge in the first months of the COVID pandemic. Recent reports suggest 20-30% of people have brain fog three months after infection. Up to 85% of people with long COVID also have brain fog. Although we’re hearing a lot about brain fog in relation to COVID, people experience the symptom with many other diseases and disorders.
It is common among people recovering from traumatic brain injury, HIV, postural tachycardia syndrome, lupus, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, and as a side-effect of chemotherapy. People with coeliac disease may even experience it after consuming gluten. It’s also been reported as a symptom of menopause.
Causes :
While COVID may cause shrinkage of some brain areas, brain fog itself has not been linked to brain volume changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. However, a new case report of two people found that while they had normal clinical MRI findings, they also had decreases in oxygen use in a specific part of the brain called the cingulate cortex. This area, within the limbic system, is thought to be involved in attention and memory.
There isn’t one single test for brain fog, so it can be difficult to diagnose. Although there are combinations of tests that can be used, formal testing may not always be helpful because symptoms can look different for each person, and some days may be worse than others.
How to manage brain fog :
For people experiencing brain fog, developing coping strategies and prioritising time to rest may help to manage symptoms. Coping strategies could involve making lists, using visual reminders (such as calendars, digital alerts and timers), and altering work duties where possible. Clinical trials are underway for naltrexone, a medication used for alcohol and opioid drug addiction, which has shown promise in reducing brain fog. While not currently available as a brain fog treatment in Australia, initial research in Ireland shows it is safe and effective in low doses.
Aside from getting enough sleep, people are often encouraged to approach recovery from brain fog holistically. This means looking at their entire health picture and prioritising exercise and a healthy diet. If you are concerned about brain fog, your GP can refer you to a neurologist or neuropsychologist for further assessment and management.
