ALTERNATIVE CONSIDERATIONS TO REMEDY BRAIN FOG
I am going to this month step out of the usual blog regarding organic brain functions in terms of various diagnoses. I have been encountering many patients complaining of “brain fog” from a variety of sources, for example, COVID, poor sleep, diet, stress, autoimmune, etc. A couple of years ago, many of the COVID-19 patients I have seen were reporting complaints of “brain fog.” The patients stated they felt like their brain was clouded and did not work as efficiently as before. Also, many of them believed there was a link to poor sleep, and, furthermore, stress at work.
Eventually, what turned out to be the case in many patients had to do with breathing. After understanding many of the examples the patients reported, it became obvious that their cognitive complaints in terms of “brain fog” were above and beyond residuals from COVID-19. I started suggesting a course of biofeedback and deep breathing relaxation. Some of the patients also suffered allergies, and needless to say problems with nasal congestion. For these patients, I suggested nasal strips and follow-up with an alerigist and clearing these recommendations with their family doctor.
What I came to realize is that the majority of the patients reported dramatic changes in their “brain fog.” Many of them reported that cognition improved along with improved sleep, better management of their stress, more energy, and ultimately a lifting of their mood.
In summary, it cannot be overstated the importance of healthy deep breathing besides diet, exercise, medical follow-up adherence, and lifestyle management.
If we can be of any assistance in our health psychology department in helping you with these approach strategies, give us a call.
Robert B. Sica, Ph.D., ABN
Owner- Principal Partner, Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Services|LifeSpan
Board-Certified in Neuropsychology
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Supervisor
Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neuroscience Division
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
Clinical Assistant Professor, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine