A recent study reveals that brain fog and cognitive problems in long COVID patients are connected to higher inflammation and reduced brain stress adaptation.
This is the first research comparing brain inflammation and stress markers between long COVID sufferers and those who fully recovered.
Published in PLOS One, the pilot study involved 17 COVID-positive participants—10 with long COVID symptoms and 7 fully recovered.
The study found that long COVID patients had lower levels of nerve growth factor, a key biomarker for the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. They also showed higher levels of interleukin-10, an inflammation marker.
While cognitive tests showed little difference overall, the long COVID group struggled more with letter fluency, indicating difficulty accessing language centers in the brain.
These patients also reported lower quality of life, including poorer physical, emotional, and psychological health.
Physicians often find diagnosing long COVID challenging because standard tests appear normal, leaving patients feeling misunderstood. Experts suggest a multidisciplinary approach—assessing inflammation and brain markers alongside therapies like speech therapy, stress reduction, and medications targeting fatigue and mental fog.
If you experience persistent brain fog after COVID-19, seek comprehensive care that includes mental health support, stress management, and therapies to improve cognitive function. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep can also help reduce inflammation and support brain recovery.
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