Many people report experiencing similar cognitive difficulties after a COVID infection, including:

• Trouble concentrating: Difficulty focusing on tasks or maintaining attention
• Word-finding issues: Struggling to recall specific words during conversations
• Unusual forgetfulness: Forgetting things that would normally be easy to remember

These symptoms are part of what is commonly referred to as “brain fog” and are experienced by an estimated 22 to 32% of individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. Experts categorize this as part of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, also known as Long COVID.

‍

What is Brain Fog?

Brain fog is a term used to describe slow, sluggish, or unclear thinking. It can make cognitive tasks feel unusually challenging and may manifest in various situations, such as:

• Being sleep deprived or feeling physically unwell
• Experiencing side effects from certain medications
• Recovering from conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, chemotherapy ("chemo brain"), or a concussion

‍

Brain Fog & Long COVID

In most cases, brain fog is temporary and resolves on its own. However, its trajectory following COVID-19 is not yet fully understood and its duration is unpredictable. Research suggests that this form of brain fog may impact multiple cognitive functions, including:

• Concentration: Trouble focusing on tasks or following conversations
• Disorientation: A sense of confusion or being mentally “lost”
• Word-Finding Issues: Difficulty recalling the correct words during communication
• Sudden Forgetfulness: Forgetting things you would normally remember
• Mental Fatigue: Feeling mentally drained after minimal effort
• Clouded Thinking: A sensation of not being able to think clearly or logically

‍

What is Cognition?

Cognition refers to the mental processes we use to think, read, learn, remember, reason, and pay attention. It encompasses the skills and abilities that allow us to process information, solve problems, and interact with the world around us. When these processes are disrupted, it is referred to as cognitive impairment - a reduction in the ability to perform one or more cognitive functions effectively.

People hospitalized after a COVID-19 infection have frequently been diagnosed with a wide range of cognitive problems. These challenges may include difficulties with:

‍

Attention

Attention is the ability to focus on relevant information while filtering out distractions. It works like a spotlight on a stage, allowing important details (like performers) to stand out against the background. Impairments in attention can make it hard to concentrate or stay engaged with tasks.

‍

Memory

Memory involves learning, storing, retaining, and later retrieving information. Challenges in this area may affect short-term recall (e.g., remembering a name) or long-term retention of information.

‍

Executive Functions

Executive functions are higher-level cognitive skills that include planning, focusing attention, remembering instructions, and juggling multiple tasks at once. These functions are essential for managing day-to-day activities and decision-making.

‍

‍

How Long COVID Affects Cognitive Abilities

Long COVID can significantly impact cognitive abilities, leading to noticeable difficulties in attention, memory, and executive function. These issues have been reported in individuals across a spectrum of COVID-19 severity: (1) Those who experienced mild symptoms during their COVID-19 infection, (2) patients treated in the hospital for COVID-19, and (3) individuals who  required intensive care. These findings highlight the widespread and unpredictable nature of cognitive impairments following a COVID-19 infection, raising critical questions about how the virus affects brain function..

Less obvious cognitive impairments may also occur in very mild COVID-19 infections. A recent study published by German researchers suggests that even individuals recovering from mild COVID-19 infections, who show no overt signs of cognitive issues, may still experience subtle difficulties with memory and attention. These impairments may not be immediately noticeable but could impact everyday tasks and overall mental efficiency.

‍

What Can You Do About Cognitive Impairments After Long COVID?

Addressing cognitive impairments in the context of Long COVID requires targeted exercises tailored to an individual's specific deficits. To this end, specialized facilities provide the ideal setting for Long COVID recovery by integrating multiple therapy areas, such as: speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and neuropsychology. Rehabilitation can significantly improve memory, attention, and other cognitive functions, but access to suitable therapy varies depending on resources and location. Digital therapy software solutions offer a flexible and accessible alternative for individuals experiencing cognitive impairments due to Long COVID who cannot attend in-person rehabilitation. For example, the nyra therapy app provides personalized therapy plans that are tailored to the user’s needs and adjus automatically as they progress. The nyra therapy app offers 35,000 interactive tasks designed to improve cognitive skills such as memory, word retrieval, attention, and executive functions. It is accessible anytime and anywhere, enabling users to practice at their own pace.

‍

‍

The nyra health website does not provide medical or legal advice. nyra health blog articles are not scientific articles, but are intended for informational purposes only. Medical or health-related information on the nyra health website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a physician or health care provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.