Is It Early-Onset Dementia or Covid Brain Fog? Help!
A writer who is a friend of mine called me up with a concern, one that is especially worrisome for those of us who make a living by the ‘use of our pen’. She was worried that she had trouble recalling words, simple words while she was writing or during a book talk.
“Do you think I have a form of dementia? I’m getting scared.”
Well of course you’re scared. I am too when I forget something or can’t remember a name but — before we go into full mode panic, let’s check it out.
First of all, brain fog and dementia are two distinct conditions. Dementia, true dementia, as defined by the CDC, is the “impaired ability to remember, to think, or make rational decisions that impact every day life.” It doesn’t get better and there is no cure.
Not surprisingly brain fog is more prevalent than you think. Researchers in the US estimate that worldwide, 43 percent of people who have had COVID-19, even those with mild symptoms, experience some trouble with memory — a feature of brain fog.
How long does brain fog last? It depends. While it can gradually improve as time passes, it’s possible to still experience symptoms of brain fog months or years after having COVID-19. Yes, months or years. So, what will help to alleviate this fog? The following have been shown to keep brain fog at a minimum.
Pace yourself in your daily activities and work. Take frequent breaks, especially outdoors or open a window for short periods of time.
Exercise. Now I don’t mean getting involved in a major Peloton session; a simple walk around the neighborhood will do as will a bike ride. The muscles in our legs are some of the biggest in our bodies. Activating them in exercise such as biking or walking works the entire body.
Enough sleep is essential. Sleep is restorative both physically and mentally.
And lastly, stress. Eliminating stress or at least managing it will help tremendously. Stress causes confusion and disruption even without brain fog. Trying to minimize stress will work to your advantage in reducing Covid brain fog.
© 2023 copyright Kristen Houghton all rights reserved
