Some people recovering from a COVID-19 infection have reported having ongoing “brain fog,” or cognitive problems that can cause an array of symptoms such as confusion, forgetfulness, an inability to focus and trouble communicating.
Scientists say they’re not sure what percentage of people have this problem after the infection, but they do think that up to 20 percent may experience it. A study in France showed that 34 % of hospitalized patients complained of memory loss, while 27% said they were having trouble concentrating months after they got well.
Researchers also aren’t sure what causes the brain fog, or how long it will last. Some researchers speculate that inflammation of the blood vessels is to blame; others think that the body’s immune system may be attacking the brain’s nerve cells. Lack of oxygen also might be the cause, or, it could be a result of post-traumatic stress syndrome, they say.
SOURCE: The Cut October 13, 2020