Though brain fog isn’t a medical term, you know it when you have it—thoughts seem sluggish, thinking feels muddled, and your brain just feels foggy. Also referred to as “clouding of consciousness,” brain fog is a common symptom of long COVID. New research suggests that a compromised blood-brain barrier is one of the causes of brain fog.
The Study
A study published in Nature Neuroscience in February found that patients in the acute phase of COVID-19 infection and those experiencing brain fog as a symptom of long COVID exhibited evident blood-brain barrier disruption.The researchers analyzed serum and plasma samples from 76 hospitalized patients infected with the COVID-19 virus, comparing them with 25 samples collected before the pandemic. The results showed significant differences in serum and plasma analytes between mild, moderate, and severe patients and the control group.
In serum samples from long COVID patients with brain fog symptoms, a protein called S100β was found to be particularly high. The elevated levels of this protein in the serum typically indicate blood-brain barrier disruption. Older patients showed relatively higher levels of S100β protein.
However, not all recovered individuals who were infected exhibited blood-brain barrier disruption. For example, some recovered individuals who had lost their sense of smell but did not have brain fog did not show distinct blood-brain barrier disruption.
Through magnetic resonance imaging scans, the researchers found that patients with blood-brain barrier disruption often exhibited a decrease in brain volume and an increase in cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid is the fluid found in the brain and spinal cord, which serves to protect them. However, an excessive amount of cerebrospinal fluid can also lead to a condition known as “hydrocephalus.”
6 Ways COVID-19 Damages the Central Nervous System
In addition to disrupting BBB, another study outlined the ways the COVID-19 virus may affect the central nervous system:- The respiratory system’s immune response to COVID-19 may trigger neuroinflammation, leading to the activation of immune cells in the brain and surrounding areas.
- In rare cases, the COVID-19 virus may directly infect the nervous system.
- The COVID-19 virus may trigger an autoimmune response, causing the immune system to attack the nervous system.
- Latent herpesviruses may reactivate, leading to neuropathology.
- COVID-19-induced brain cerebrovascular and thrombotic diseases may affect blood flow, and consequently cause neuroinflammation or ischemia of neural cells.
- Severe infection can lead to pulmonary and multi-organ dysfunction, potentially causing hypoxemia, hypotension, and metabolic disorders that can damage neural cells.
6 Activities for Clearing Brain Fog
How can brain fog be alleviated for patients experiencing headaches, fatigue, or memory loss after contracting the COVID-19 virus? According to Andrew E. Budson, a neurology lecturer at Harvard Medical School, the following activities can help clear brain fog:- Engage in aerobic exercise. Start slowly, with sessions lasting two to three minutes. Gradually work toward 30 minutes per session, five days a week.
- The Mediterranean diet is recognized as a brain-healthy diet. Foods such as whole grains, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans can improve thinking, memory, and overall brain health.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse. Stay away from substances that can adversely impact the brain, giving it the best chance to recover.
- Ensure adequate sleep, as it is the time for the brain and body to clear out toxins and heal.
- Engage in social activities, as they not only improve mood but also enhance thinking and memory.
- Pursue activities that are beneficial for both body and mind, such as reading, playing games, learning new skills, crafting, listening to music, practicing mindfulness meditation, and maintaining a positive attitude. All of these activities can help improve thinking and memory.
Traditional Chinese Herbal Soup for Brain Health
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine can help alleviate long COVID symptoms. Yu Man Fung, a registered Chinese medicine practitioner in Hong Kong, recommends a brain-boosting soup to The Epoch Times readers. This soup is beneficial for people recovering, alleviating brain fog, and improving overall well-being. It is easy to prepare and has a fresh, sweet taste that can be enjoyed by the whole family.Ingredients (2 servings):
- 0.32 ounces (oz) (9 grams—gm) Cordyceps flower
- 0.21 oz (6 gm) Gastrodia root
- 0.53 oz (15 gm) walnuts
- 0.32 oz (9 gm) longan fruit
- 0.21 oz (6 gm) wood ear mushroom
- 0.32 oz (9 gm) goji berries
- 5.29 oz (150 gm) pork brain or lean meat
Preparation:
- Rinse and blanch the pork brain or lean meat. Set aside.
- Soak the herbs in water for one to two hours, then wash and set aside.
- Bring all ingredients to a boil in 500 milliliters water, reduce heat, then simmer over low heat for about one hour. Season with salt to taste and serve.
