Brain health and cognitive function after COVID-19

How COVID-19 can affect brain health and functioning

Illnesses that place stress on the body, like COVID-19, can influence how the brain functions, particularly during periods of active illness and recovery.

At a broad level, these changes may be related to inflammation caused by the body’s immune response, small changes in blood flow to the brain, or subtle changes in how different parts of the brain work.

COVID-19 may also affect the chemicals in the brain that control attention, motivation, and emotional balance. These effects do not occur in the same way for everyone and continue to be studied.

Brain fog and cognitive changes after COVID-19

Brain fog is not an official medical diagnosis, but a common non-medical term used to describe changes in thinking and mental clarity. Brain fog is a symptom often reported by people with COVID-19, including those experiencing Long COVID.

Rather than a single symptom, it refers to a group of psychological experiences including:

• Trouble concentrating or staying focused
• Thinking more slowly than usual or needing more time to process information
• Memory lapses, such as forgetfulness, lost words, or fuzzy thoughts
• Difficulty multitasking or managing complex tasks

Managing brain fog

To help manage brain fog related to COVID-19, some people find it helpful to focus on habits that support brain and overall health, such as:

• Prioritizing rest and mental breaks
• Using visualization techniques
• Engaging in gentle physical activity, as tolerated

If cognitive changes are persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily activities, talking with a healthcare provider may help clarify next steps.

Mental fatigue and reduced mental stamina after COVID-19

Some people notice reduced mental energy after COVID-19. This can include becoming mentally tired more quickly during tasks that require focus or decision-making. This is commonly described as mental fatigue or reduced mental stamina.

Mental fatigue is different from physical tiredness or sleepiness. A person experiencing mental fatigue may feel physically rested but still struggle to maintain concentration or need more frequent mental breaks.

Mental fatigue can occur alongside brain fog or physical fatigue. Symptoms may fluctuate throughout the day, and may change over time as recovery continues.

Mood changes and mental health effects after COVID-19

Some people report emotional or mood-related changes after a COVID-19 infection. These experiences can affect day-to-day wellbeing and are commonly reported during recovery. They may be influenced by the physical impact of illness, disrupted routines, stress, or uncertainty about ongoing symptoms.

Mood changes can include feeling irritable, emotionally numb, more reactive than usual, or feeling ‘off.’

For some people, these mood changes are temporary. For others, they can overlap with ongoing feelings of anxiety or depression, which may need additional attention.

Anxiety and depression after COVID-19

Some people notice ongoing feelings of anxiety or low mood, such as persistent worry, feeling emotionally flat or unmotivated, or experiencing ups and downs. These feelings can be part of recovery for some people, but a healthcare provider can help determine whether they reflect anxiety, depression, or another concern.

Anxiety and depression may be connected to how the body and brain recover, alongside the emotional impact of illness. If these feelings persist or interfere with daily life, a healthcare provider can help explore supportive options.

If you or someone you care about is in emotional distress or having thoughts of self-harm, you can call or text 988 in the United States for free, confidential support, 24/7.

Other neurological and sensory changes after COVID-19

In addition to cognitive and emotional changes, some people report other neurological or sensory symptoms after COVID-19.

Examples include headaches, dizziness or balance issues, sleep disturbances, or persistent changes in smell or taste. These symptoms may appear during illness, continue into recovery, or fluctuate over time. How they present can look different for everyone.

How to help brain-related symptoms and when to talk to a healthcare provider

Many symptoms improve gradually, but it can be helpful to talk with a healthcare provider if symptoms interfere with daily life, worsen over time, or if new or concerning brain-related symptoms appear.

While talking to a healthcare provider is important, there are some practical things you can do to help manage symptoms, including:

• Staying hydrated
• Getting plenty of rest
• Taking regular exercise
• Eating a balanced diet
• Reducing stress
• Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol

People who experience severe COVID-19 are more likely to experience new or worsening symptoms, so understanding your personal risk related to COVID-19 can also be helpful. The COVID-19 risk assessment can help support more informed conversations with a healthcare provider.