A preprint study, that has not yet undergone peer review, suggested that other coronaviruses could be contributing to the risk. Hints are emerging as to why some people develop brain fog. Patients note that cognitive symptoms can be just as troublesome, or worse, than the respiratory symptoms often associated with COVID. Women, Hispanics and bisexual or transexual individuals also seem to have greater risk, the CDC says. The most vulnerable groups include those who became severely ill, the unvaccinated, and anyone diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) either while they were sick or at some point after they recovered.

One in five COVID-19 patients will develop brain fog and related problems after coming down with the virus. For some patients, the effects persist for an extended period, years even.ĬOVID-19–Related Psychosis With an Atypical Presentation of Near-Death Experience Who is most likely to get brain fog? Technically, this isn’t a medical definition, but patients have logged a wide range of related complaints including difficulty thinking, glitchy memory, fatigue, confusion, and forgetfulness. What is COVID brain fog?īrain fog is a collection of neuropsychiatric symptoms that arise during a COVID infection or sometime after the initial illness. Here, an explainer on everything we know–and don’t know–about COVID-related brain fog. Even more concerning, the risk of developing fuzzy memory and other neuro symptoms can last for up to two years after recovery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that almost 15 percent of patients in recovery from the virus experience cognitive malfunctions. The COVID and Cognition Study found that a majority of people experiencing long COVID symptoms have reported brain fog. EST to reflect new information.īrain fog as a result of COVID-19 is as persistent as it is problematic.

New therapies are emerging that can help improve the symptoms of COVID-induced brain fog.

Besides brain fog, COVID can lead to stroke and other serious neurological outcomes.

COVID-19 attacks the brain in several ways, including through inflammation, damaging various types of brain cells, compromising blood flow to the brain, and weakening the immune system.

The origins of brain fog are almost certainly neurological rather than psychological.

Nearly 15 percent of COVID patients in recovery experience some symptoms related to the catchall malady, “brain fog.”.

Clinical Relevance: There are treatments for patients living with the brain fog related to long COVID

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