Franco enjoys most about his profession is building personal relationships with patients and their families while helping them understand the sometimes “frightening and overwhelming” aspects of neurological illness. ![]() “While it was difficult to witness the tragic effects of the disease,” he said, “seeing his decline also gave me insight into how the brain makes us who we are as human beings.” After his father-in-law was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, he was called to neurology. Both parents and several aunts and uncles were physicians, dentists or nurses. Health care is a family affair for neurologist David Franco, MD. Your care team can provide supportive treatment options and help you optimize your overall health, which is the best defense for your body and brain in the fight against COVID-19. ![]() And, of course, talk to your provider if you suspect any neurological symptoms as a result of COVID-19 or have questions regarding your risk of complications. Some research suggests a lower risk of severe disease in patients with a normal vitamin D level, but talk to your provider before beginning any supplement regimen. Outside of eating healthy, staying active, managing underlying health conditions and taking all the necessary precautions against COVID-19 infection, there’s little else that can be done to prevent neurological complications of the virus. Read a book, listen to music, play a game, learn a new skill, practice mindfulness, or challenge yourself to a crossword or Sudoku puzzle. Keep your mind sharp by engaging in mentally stimulating activities. Being social, laughing and enjoying the company of family and friends can boost mood and memory. Alcohol can negatively affect the brain – even as little as one or two drinks. Even walking a total of 30 minutes a day, five days a week can be beneficial. If you find that exercise has been difficult following a COVID-19 infection, start small. ![]() Our bodies and brains need sleep to heal and recover. Salmon, olive oil, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds and avocados are some good options. But don’t forget about those healthy omega-3 fatty acids that studies have shown are likely to boost learning and memory. A diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables is important for overall health. In the meantime, here are some tips to help you think more clearly: Patience is key, as recovery could take several months or longer. The good news is this: The vast majority of patients struggling with post-COVID brain fog will recover with time. But a recent study suggests that even those who don’t seem to notice any cognitive symptoms – or brain fog – after a mild case of COVID-19 may still have minor issues with memory and attention. Many individuals who’ve been hospitalized with COVID-19 have more severe neurological impairment, including disorientation, excessive drowsiness and poor recall memory. Over time, fatigue, body aches, shortness of breath and other lingering COVID-19 symptoms can impact one’s ability to get adequate sleep and exercise, which are necessary for cognitive function. While research has shown that COVID-related brain fog is likely due to a sustained overactive immune response to the virus, I think it goes without saying that recovering from COVID-19 can be taxing on the body and mind. With COVID-related brain fog, that sluggish, fuzzy feeling can persist for weeks or months as part of long COVID and is often accompanied by chronic headaches. But there are some important takeaways when it comes to the neurological implications we’re seeing with COVID-19 – as well as some hope for anyone still feeling a little “dazed and confused” following their bout of the virus.īrain fog – something we’ve all likely experienced at some point – is the most common neurological symptom I’ve seen in patients with or after COVID-19 infection. These troubling cognitive symptoms are often referred to as “brain fog,” which is becoming increasingly common among those who’ve contracted COVID-19.Īlthough new research is unveiling significant imaging or structural changes to the brain after a COVID-19 infection, it’s still unclear whether these changes have any long-term effects or how significantly they might impact quality of life. ![]() Slow thinking, poor concentration, confusion and difficulty remembering things.
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