Is Your Brain Aging Faster Than You? The Hidden Toll of COVID-19
Navigating cognitive changes post COVID is crucial. In an age where agility and innovation are key, many find their cognitive edge unexpectedly dulled. (graphic designed in Canva)
Imagine waking up and feeling like you're mentally twenty years older—it sounds like a sci-fi plot, yet COVID-19 has left many grappling with cognitive challenges akin to instant aging.
For my family, this isn't fiction. Both my parents battled COVID in December 2021. My mother came home after 14 days on oxygen, but my father died on Christmas Eve. It's been three years since the pandemic changed our lives and took over seven million others. We're still unraveling the virus's long-term impact, globally and personally.
If articulating your thoughts feels like wading through molasses, you're not alone.
Post-COVID mental fog is no longer the mystery it once was. Recent breakthroughs show this cognitive decline resembles the aging process—transforming your brain from 2023's agility to 2044's reality.
Those who have suffered often report memory gaps that disrupt daily life, concentration that dissolves mid-task, and relentless mental exhaustion.
My mother is a testament to this struggle. Despite her healthy lifestyle, she now faces heart irregularities and borderline diabetes—conditions her doctor suspects COVID exacerbated. Managing the small farm and two horses she loves has become increasingly challenging. This year, a malignant melanoma diagnosis compounded her difficulties. She forgets doctor appointments and struggles with simple tasks like answering her phone. COVID-19 has undoubtedly aged her mind.
But what if you've only had mild COVID?
Does the severity of infection influence lasting cognitive effects? Here's what the data reveals:
Mild COVID-19 Cases:
Around 40% of mild-to-moderate COVID survivors face cognitive impairments, affecting memory and attention—essential for multitaskers.
Executive function, your brain’s to-do list manager, often bears the brunt, making simple decision-making feel colossal.
About 25% struggle with visual processing, like forgetting where you've parked.
Severe COVID-19 Cases:
In stark contrast, up to 81% of severe cases experience cognitive challenges, akin to a 20-year leap in aging. These significant issues may stem from immune responses affecting brain function.
Imagine the cognitive decline between ages 50 and 70 condensed by an illness—daunting and necessitating rigorous brain health focus.
Key Differences:
Prevalence: 81% in severe cases versus 40% in mild ones.
Severity: Mild cases see subtle changes, like forgetting the milk at the grocery store, while severe cases struggle with broader cognitive issues that might include forgetting how to get to the store altogether.
Affected Domains: Mild cases hit executive function and visuospatial skills, while severe impairments are broader.
Duration: The long-term impact of severe cases may be more pronounced, but mild cases shouldn't be underestimated—they, too, leave lingering effects.
Despite the severity, mild COVID-19 can lead to persistent cognitive changes. As our understanding evolves, continued research is essential.
One thing is certain...
Ignoring brain health is no longer an option.
As 2025 approaches, we need to reflect on cognitive health in a post-COVID world:
What if a loved one has lost 20 years of cognitive health?
What if you've lost ten?
These losses demand a reevaluation of priorities. But there's hope: up to 60% of dementia can be prevented, and cognitive decline isn't inevitable. But you must take action and include brain health management in your top goals for 2025.
Important Actionable Steps:
Stay Active: Engage in regular physical exercise—cardiovascular and strength training can boost blood flow to the brain, mitigating cognitive decline.
Mental Stimulation: Keep your brain active with puzzles, reading, or new hobbies. Learning stimulates brain health and can slow cognitive changes.
Balanced Diet: Adopt a brain-friendly diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and whole grains, known to support cognitive function.
Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness techniques like meditation or yoga to reduce stress and improve mental clarity and resilience.
Social Engagement: Maintain connections and social activities to enhance psychological health and cognitive function.
Routine Health Checkups: Regular medical consultations can help monitor and manage health conditions that may impact brain health, ensuring early intervention.
SLEEP: 7-9 hours of quality sleep are crucial EVERY night. This is not optional. Struggle with that? You are not alone. Six million people in the United States suffer from insomnia. Stay tuned for help getting your zzz's.
Remember,
"The best time to improve your brain health was yesterday. The next best time is now."
Join me in becoming a healthy brain ambassador in 2025 and personalize your journey towards becoming a super brain ager.
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Sources:
Henneghan, A. M., et al. (2022). Cognitive Impairment in Non-critical, Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19 Survivors
Brain Facts. (2023). The Risks of Even Mild COVID-19
Neurology Live. Mild COVID-19 Infections Tied to Cognitive Memory Changes
Ferrucci, R. The Impact of COVID-19 on Cognitive Function
Contagion Live. COVID-19's Impact on Cognitive Health
Nature. Cognitive Deficits Post COVID-19