MAILBAG: Can COVID-19 Cause Memory Problems?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted January 31, 2023

“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

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.

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