The SHOCKING Truth About COVID’s Impact on the Brain

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted October 12, 2022

One of the most common concerns I hear from my senior patients is that they’re constantly worried about losing their minds.

Sure, they’re afraid of the common illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes too.

But it’s the thought of their brains turning to mush that REALLY keeps them up at night.

After all, your mind is the core of who you are. Without your memories, you’re incomplete.

That’s why so many people have been asking me if there’s any link between COVID-19 and brain problems.

And the answer may disturb you.

Unfortunately, the connection between COVID and long-term brain issues is VERY real.

Many studies have already confirmed the link between brain problems and COVID-19 infection. But new research published in Nature Medicine has added even more fuel to the fire.

The scientists found that folks who have had COVID-19 are significantly more likely to battle strokes, migraine headaches, and depression in the year following the infection than their COVID-free peers.

Other commonly reported complaints include brain fog, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.

That’s bad news, considering how many people have been infected with the virus.

After crunching the numbers, scientists estimate you have around a seven percent increased risk of neurological conditions once you catch the bug.

Now I know seven percent might not sound like much at first. But it translates into almost 6.6 million Americans battling brain problems because of COVID-19.

While the researchers didn’t cover it in their paper, the increased risk of brain problems likely has to do with inflammation. After all, inflammation is at the root of many health issues, including strokes, migraines, and depression.

Plus, it turns out it’s ALSO at the heart of another health complaint. And this one, scientists now say, may be used as an early warning sign of post-COVID brain damage.

By now, you no doubt have heard of one of the most curious COVID symptoms of all… loss of smell.

Well, researchers presented a study at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference that suggests we must pay closer attention to this symptom. According to the team, you’re significantly more likely to have coronavirus-linked brain problems later if you have a persistent loss of smell during (or after) your infection.

The researchers say losing your ability to smell is a red flag for brain inflammation.

If you’ve managed to ride out the year after your infection with no signs of brain issues, that’s FANTASTIC.

But now isn’t the time to let your guard down. Because if you catch COVID-19 again, the clock is reset. You’ll have another year of living with a higher risk of brain problems ahead of you.

In other words, you should STILL be trying your best to avoid getting the infection.

You know the drill by now:

• Wash your hands – well and often.
• Try not to touch your face.
• Wear a face mask indoors or in a crowd with others (an N95 or K-N95, preferably).
• Social distance as much as you can, limiting most interactions to a core group of friends and family who are limiting their interactions whenever possible too.

You can also take steps to beat inflammation using my Inflammation Control Protocol:

• Consider taking a natural anti-inflammatory Some of the best are fish oil, curcumin, and Boswellia. All three are widely available and affordable.
• Exercise is a great way to keep inflammation in check. Strangely, inflammation rises for about an hour after exercise. But then it plummets to very low levels, resulting in an overall decrease in inflammation.
• Avoid processed foods and too much added sugar. Both sugar and vegetable oils increase inflammation in the body.
• Eat your veggies. Vegetables naturally help calm inflammation levels.
• Take a probiotic. Your immune system, which happens to control inflammation, is closely tied to the health of your digestive tract. Make sure you maintain a healthy bacterial balance by using a good probiotic.

P.S. This wasn’t the only time a link has been made between the brain and COVID-19. When researchers crunched the data for over 6 million older adults who survived the virus, what they found was shocking. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease nearly doubled in the year following infection. You’ll find all the disturbing details… plus more brain-supporting tips… right here.

Sources:

“Long-term neurologic outcomes of COVID-19.” Nat Med (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02001-z

“The chronic neuropsychiatric sequelae of COVID‐19: The need for a prospective study of viral impact on brain functioning,” Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Vol 17, Iss 6, June 2021, Pgs 1056-1065, https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12255

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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