MAILBAG: Can COVID-19 Cause Memory Problems?

“I recently had COVID and feel like I’ve been noticing my memory slip more often than not. Could this be COVID related? Is there anything I can do?”

– Heather, from Plano, TX

Hi Heather,

There are two things that can make memory issues more likely after a COVID-19 infection.

The first is that the COVID virus appears to have an affinity for nervous tissue (like the brain).

We’re not entirely sure how the virus interferes with brain activity yet. More research is needed. But studies confirm that many folks have problems with memory, attention, and executive function (performing complex tasks) after a COVID infection.

These brain problems appear in patients who had more severe infections and were hospitalized and those who had a mild bout of the disease. They are some of the many symptoms loosely classified as “long COVID.”

The good news is Long COVID appears to be temporary in many cases. In fact, recent research suggests the syndrome clears up for many folks within a year or so after the infection.

But there’s a second issue affecting some COVID victims. There’s evidence the virus is an age accelerator.

Research has uncovered significant changes in the DNA of COVID patients that show the virus can essentially hit the fast-forward button on aging. This means any age-related health issues you were already at risk for could develop sooner.

So illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and brain problems can show up years earlier than they would have if you’d never had COVID.

The best defense, in either case, is to take good care of your brain.

That includes…

  • getting enough good quality sleep to clear out toxins and improve memory
  • exercising regularly to increase blood flow, decrease inflammation, and boost brain size
  • taking brain-supporting supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), B-complex, and flavonoids (plant antioxidants)

These simple steps will give your brain the support it needs to fight memory problems, whether they were triggered by COVID-19 or not.

P.S. Want to boost your brainpower even MORE? You can literally GROW your gray matter with this one easy step. I’ve got all the details right here.

Sources:

“Long covid outcomes at one year after mild SARS-CoV-2 infection: nationwide cohort study.” BMJ 2023;380:e072529, doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-072529

“Accelerated biological aging in COVID-19 patients.” Nat Commun 13, 2135 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-29801-8

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds

In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...

Read This

Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk

With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...

Read This

Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health

If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...

Read This

Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin

If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...

Read This

Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT

“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...

Read This

“Canary in the Coal Mine” Test Sniffs Out Brain Issues Early

One of the most common questions I get is how to tell if you’re starting to experience cognitive decline. I get it—losing your memory is scary, especially when it sneaks up on you. But here’s some exciting news that might put your mind at ease. A fascinating new study suggests that your nose might be...

Read This

BEAT Stubborn Leg Swelling Without Dangerous Diuretics

“I need help with edema.” —Swollen Hi Swollen, When patients complain of edema—fluid retention that causes feet, ankles, and legs to swell—I explain that, while conventional medicine immediately prescribes diuretic drugs, nature offers us effective solutions we can try first. I’ll share those in just a moment, but first, let’s take a quick look at...

Read This

Mental Health Linked to 30% FASTER Aging [6-Step FIX]

Your mind and body are more connected than you might realize—and a groundbreaking new study proves just how profound that connection really is. In fact, it’s this mind-body link that helps explain why battling depression can put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve...

Read This

The Air You Breathe Is Silently Stealing Your Memory

You already know that air pollution damages your lungs. Chances are you’ve heard it can also harm your heart. And I bet you won’t be surprised when I tell you it claims millions of lives annually. But now, alarming new research suggests polluted air might also damage your brain. This study found that long-term exposure...

Read This

Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry

Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...

Read This