It is widely known that the COVID-19 virus primarily affects lung health directly. However, from past data, we have also found that this virus causes abnormalities in many other organs, including direct effects on the nervous system and brain. Neurological symptoms found in COVID-19 patients range from mild symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, loss of smell, loss of taste, to severe symptoms such as encephalitis and ischemic or obstructive stroke.
Long COVID and Brain Effects
After patients recover from COVID-19, many still experience chronic symptoms in various body systems, known as Long COVID. One of these is cognitive decline and brain fatigue, which often present with the following symptoms:
- Memory problems
- Indecisiveness
- Poor concentration, short attention span
- Mental fog, lack of interest in surroundings
- Headache
- Confused thinking
Risk Factors for Cognitive Decline and Brain Fatigue
- Severe acute infection with brain oxygen deprivation
- Pre-existing brain diseases such as ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
- Older age and multiple comorbidities
- Psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and anxiety
Self-care and Rehabilitation Methods to Improve Symptoms
Actually, the symptom of “cognitive decline” can improve on its own over time. However, if patients take proper self-care, it will increase the chances of faster recovery. The following practices can be followed:
- Maintain good health by eating a balanced diet with all five food groups, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep and rest
- Engage in activities that stimulate the brain, such as playing games, practicing analytical thinking, or hobbies that promote relaxation like playing music, gardening, or meditation
- Patients with chronic diseases, especially stroke, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, should take medications as prescribed by their doctors regularly and continuously follow up on their existing conditions
Dr. Rudeerat Wattanawong
Stroke and Neurology Internist
Brain and Nervous System Center, 2nd Floor
Phyathai 3 Hospital
