Pandemic Stress-Induced Brain Fog is Making People Forgetful and Confused, Here's What Experts Say

A person infected with COVID-19 would typically have symptoms that include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. But according to a study, entitled "Neurological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019: exploring past to understand present" published in Nature Public Health Emergency Collection, up to 25% of patients reported neurological symptoms or brain fog.

Brain fog could sometimes last many months after the disease, and could also affect even those who did not experience the infection.

With the prolonged fear and uncertainty in the past year, the pandemic stress-induced brain fog has also been quite common to many people. They suddenly find themselves often becoming forgetful and confused.

COVID-19 Brain Fog

Brain fog is not a medical diagnosis but rather a general term used to describe the feeling of being mentally slow, fuzzy, or spaced out, according to Healthline.

Symptoms could include memory problems, lack of mental clarity, poor concentration, being spaced out, headaches, and confusion. Many people may experience these symptoms occasionally, like being mentally sluggish after a night of poor sleep or when under a lot of stress.

But for those with COVID-19 or who have been diagnosed with the infection, brain fog could last for months after other symptoms are cured.

According to a study in January this year, entitled "Inflammatory Leptomeningeal Cytokines Mediate COVID-19 Neurologic Symptoms in Cancer Patients" published in the journal Cell, increased levels of cytokines in the fluid surrounding the brains of COVID-19 patients encourage inflammation that hinders the ability of neurons to communicate with each other that might contribute to brain fog.

Researchers also found microstructural changes in the hippocampus and other parts of the brain after having COVID-19. They believe these changes may have contributed to cognitive impairments.

Pandemic Stress-Induced Brain Fog

Although brain fog could be observed in COVID-19 patients, many people who have not been diagnosed with the disease also affect many people. They too have reported experiencing symptoms of brain fog as they noticed they have become more forgetful and confused.

According to the Times of San Diego, being in a prolonged state of fear and uncertainty could lead to anxiety and stress and negatively affect a person's functioning and overall health and well-being.

With all the isolation and restrictions brought by the pandemic, this could turn into anxiety and depression, may lead to substance abuse and addiction, bring out disruptions in routine, and could make people feel lonely uninspiring, and boring after an unusual year of limited movement or not going outside.

Additionally, pandemic stress-induced brain fog may also make people experience mental slowing or fatigue, trouble thinking, and cognitive inefficiency. Even the slightest problem-solving or organizing might feel challenging, effortful, and difficult.

This is due to the high stress level that activates the emotional center of the brain and interferes with a person's ability to think clearly and logically.

Brain Fog-Reducing Strategies

Luckily, there are brain fog-reducing strategies according to clinical psychologist Dr. Mary Beth Bryan, PsD:

• Create a daily routine that incorporates balance, meaning, and leisure.
• Do things that promote brain health and psychological well-being.
• Try new hobbies and engage in mentally stimulating activities
• Listen to music and go for a walk
• Practice mindfulness
• Practice sleep hygiene strategies
• Avoid drugs and alcohol

Check out more news and information on Mental Health in Science Times.