Brain fog may not be a scientific term, but it is a common way to describe sluggish or fuzzy thinking, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, or even confusion. Temporary brain fog can be caused by lack of sleep, stress, and overworking. Everyone experiences brain fog from time to time. But chronic brain fog may be a symptom of a medical condition or treatment.

Pregnancy, multiple sclerosis, and depression all affect the ability to concentrate and organize thoughts. Cognition may also be affected by hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, and poor nutrition. Certain medications and cancer treatments have the same effect.  In 2020, the world was hit with a new virus that disrupted everyone’s lives: Covid 19. A few years later, we are still learning about this disease's long-term effects. Lingering brain fog is one of the most commonly reported side effects in the aftermath of Covid.  

Does COVID Cause Brain Fog?

COVID-19 can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including brain fog. Studies indicate that post-COVID cognitive impairment can last many months after contracting the virus – long after a cough, fatigue, or fever has passed. So why does COVID cause brain fog? And how long does it last? 

New research links the increased inflammation from COVID-19 to prolonged brain fog. Brain inflammation inhibits neurons from communicating correctly and leads to confusion, lack of focus, and feeling fuzzy. Scientists have also found microstructural changes in the hippocampus after COVID, which can be directly linked to cognitive impairment.

While some people experience brain fog while sick, more and more individuals are noticing brain fog as a lingering side effect. A study of more than 235,000 COVID patients uncovered that 34% of people developed neurological or psychiatric symptoms six months after being sick. It seems that those hospitalized from COVID-19 are the most affected. However, a significant number of individuals who recovered at home showed impairment on memory tests and experienced new difficulties with planning and organizing than before they were sick.

While more and more studies continue to take place, there is no way to know just how long COVID brain fog may last. A 2022 study revealed that brain fog tends to peak within a few months after recovering from COVID and subside within 6-9 months. However, many participants were still experiencing cognitive dysfunction 14+ months later.

How To Get Rid of Brain Fog From COVID

The first step to getting rid of COVID brain fog is to implement healthy habits into your lifestyle:

• Get plenty of sleep: Most individuals require 8 hours of sleep each night for the brain to rest, flush out toxins, and heal itself. 
• Exercise regularly: Spend time moving your body each day. Slowly work up to 30 minutes of aerobic activity to improve concentration, memory, and emotional balance.
• Eat a well-balanced diet: A Mediterranean-style diet full of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, beans, and whole grains has been proven to improve cognitive health.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol: Staying away from these stimulating substances will help minimize inflammation and oxidative stress in your brain, providing a chance for the brain to heal and restore mental clarity. 
• Participate in social activities: Social interaction exercises the mind and has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus and memory, and enhance problem-solving skills. 
• Exercise your mind: Play brain games and puzzles, read, listen to music, practice mindfulness, and keep a positive attitude to sharpen mental-processing abilities. 
• Take brain-boosting supplements: Certain vitamins and quality supplements may promote enhanced cognition, support clarity and focus, and support overall cognitive health when taken as part of a daily regimen.

In addition to lifestyle changes, keep tabs on your mental and physical health. Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand with cognitive and memory issues. One study found that 85-94% of individuals with depression experience a form of cognitive dysfunction. Ongoing memory issues, confusion, and lack of focus could be tied to an underlying medical condition. If you are experiencing chronic brain fog or are worried about cognitive decline, talk to your doctor to help determine a diagnosis and treatment. 

Supplements For Brain Fog

Since brain fog can often be caused by a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals, cognitive supplements may promote improved symptoms. Below are our top recommendations for cognitive and memory supplements to assist with COVID brain fog:

Cognitive Complex™ contains Cognizin® Citicoline and a blend of amino acids to support brain function. Citicoline is a brain chemical that may stimulate dopamine transmitters and assist with learning, motivation, and memory loss. Carefully selected amino acids promote memory, brain function, and nerve cell communication.

Memorix™ is a combination of DMAE, ginkgo biloba, and gotu kola to support brain health, cognition, and memory. The natural ingredients promote blood flood to the brain, mental activity, and alertness. Gotu kola is believed to assist with improved memory and retention.

Ginkgo Biloba Extract contains powerful flavonoids and terpenoids that help protect the brain from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Gingko biloba also promotes blood flow to the brain for optimal brain function. Those who take Gingko biloba often notice a boost in energy, mood, and alertness.

Ginseng Complex™ is a combination of Korean ginseng extract plus six natural compounds to promote brain health, cognition, and memory, increased energy, and healthy aging. Korean ginseng has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years as an adaptogen to combat environmental stress and support overall well-being. Added gingko extract and gotu kola extract assist with blood flow, neurotransmitter activity, and oxidative stress to promote improved focus and retention.

Additional vitamins and supplements that support cognitive health are Vitamin D, Omega-3, and B-Complex. Give these supplements a try to assist in lifting the fog and feel like yourself again.

Your Hispanic American Health Store

Health Hispanica® is a Hispanic-American health store specializing in supplements from Hispanic-American-owned brands such as Natura-Genics® and Yerba Farma®. We strive to provide quality and innovative supplements at fair prices and educate our clients and community on healthy living.

The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.