Most viral infections are dangerous, above all, with their complications, and COVID-19 was no exception. It is worth considering that it is poorly studied, the work is hampered by rapid mutation and the emergence of new strains, and what to expect from them is still unclear. It is known that many effects are manifested in a delayed mode, that is, not immediately when the disease occurs, but 2-3 months later. Thus, so far there are only general recommendations on how to restore a person’s attention and memory after coronavirus, but there is no accurate data on the mechanism of the violation. Nevertheless, doctors are ready to offer a set of measures that will help to improve the general condition of the body and reduce the negative consequences of the disease.
What is the cause of memory loss after covid?
Coronavirus primarily affects the respiratory system and its characteristic symptoms are dry cough, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue and muscle pain. In more severe cases, bilateral pneumonia, multi-organ failure and other symptoms may occur, requiring immediate medical attention and even hospitalization. Later, as the new virus was being studied, scientists became aware of another feature of the virus: its ability to affect the nervous system, causing neuropsychiatric and cognitive disorders. And now there is no doubt that they are one of the most widespread and persistent consequences.
But why does this happen? There are several versions of exactly how COVID-19 affects the central and peripheral nervous system.
- Direct infection of neurons. It is believed that the virus directly infects the human brain, destroying its cells.
- “Cytokine storm.” This is a systemic inflammatory response, one of the main causes of dangerous complications of coronavirus, including neuronal damage.
- Cerebral hypometabolism. Studies show that COVID-19 leads to decreased glucose metabolism in the parietal and frontal lobes of the brain, which can lead to impaired brain function.
- Hypoxia. Lack of oxygen, characteristic of the acute course of coronavirus, is also capable of leading to the death of neurons.
- Disturbance of blood supply. COVID-19 affects blood vessels, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and indirectly causes cognitive decline.
It is mainly older people who complain of memory impairment. There are several explanations: they have a higher risk of severe form (and therefore more noticeable consequences), in addition, many already have a history of cognitive impairment (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, chronic brain ischemia), and coronavirus only causes their decompensation. But young people also suffer from memory problems after COVID. According to research data, patients aged 25 years and older experience them (in those younger, such problems were practically never recorded).
Symptoms indicating memory impairment
It is very important not to miss the first signs of a developing disorder, because at this stage it is much easier to help, improve or at least stabilize the situation, preventing the transition of initial changes irreversibly. Should be alerted:
- inattention in everyday matters;
- difficulties in formulating thoughts;
- Difficulties with holding concentration on a particular object;
- problems with assimilating new information;
- loss of professional skills;
- loss of logical connections;
- social maladaptation;
- confusion;
- inability to distinguish between events that have already occurred in terms of time.
Manifest such disorders can be both independently and against the background of severe headache, loss of coordination.
How to get your memory back after covid
- Adhere to a clear daily routine
First and foremost, a clear daily routine will help. It should always be kept at hand. Include in it not only work tasks, but also time for rest, meals, walking and sleeping.
- Divide the whole into parts
A large voluminous task is not much of a thrill for anyone, especially after the forces have not yet recovered and any global work seems impossible. To relieve anxiety, it is enough to plan actions, distributing them in segments and assigning intermediate deadlines.
- Do breathing exercises and physical exercises
Specialists say: the body has such a wonderful process as sanogenesis – self-recovery. What can accelerate this process? Breathing exercises and feasible physical activity, for example, walking or physical training in the fresh air.
- Unload your memory
The brain may temporarily be unable to cope with the flow of incoming information, so it is better to write everything down and, if necessary, make notes.
- Play
Games help to restore familiar patterns. It is possible to draw pictures, to write in penmanship, to put puzzles together. A game of Tetris has great potential for restoring brain function. Researchers of the game say that it improves the physical condition of the brain and allows it to work more efficiently, as well as increases memory capacity.
- Take modern natural remedies to support mental health
For those who have had a coronavirus, it makes sense to support brain function with natural medicines that improve cerebral blood flow and metabolism in the nervous system.
- Follow the diet
Revise the diet and increase the proportion of vegetables and fruits in it, which are sources of vitamins, micro- and macronutrients.
For a while it is worth giving up heavy food, burning spices, marinades, convenience foods and fast food. It is useful to combine this with a gentle cleansing of the body with the help of home-made detox cocktails, which will help to remove the remnants of drugs, restore the balance of internal systems, and also give a sense of lightness and the necessary to perform everyday activities.
Which doctor can help with recovery from COVID-19
Many people cope with the consequences of coronavirus infection on their own. But there are cases when you can’t do without the help of specialists. It is best to immediately make an appointment for a consultation with a rehabilitologist. This is a generalist doctor who deals with complex recovery treatment, taking into account the individual characteristics of each patient.
Conclusion
Memory decline after COVID-19 is a common and serious consequence experienced by both older and younger people. The causes can be complex, ranging from hypoxia to inflammatory processes in the brain. Although there is limited definitive scientific evidence, effective approaches to recovery are already available today, from normalizing lifestyle and nutrition to breathing exercises and cognitive exercises. In cases of severe impairment, it is important not to delay referral to a specialist, especially a rehabilitation therapist or neurologist. The earlier recovery work is started, the higher the chances of regaining mental clarity and full memory.
