Persistent fatigue, brain fog, and neurological issues are among the wide range of symptoms presented by Long-Haul COVID and have been compared to the same symptoms experienced from a non-traumatic brain injury as inflammation in the body impacts the brain’s ability to function as it should. This “cytokine storm” is an inflammatory response and can result in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and long-term cognitive struggles. Because Long-Haul COVID affects the brain, we turned to Randy Vawdrey, NP-C, who is also Principal and Chief Medical Officer here at A Mind For All Seasons. Randy is a nurse practitioner with an abundance of experience in hospital, skilled nursing, psychiatric care, and primary care settings. In 2017, Randy joined AMFAS to collaborate on the production, training, and delivery of our assessment tools as well as treatment protocols. Randy has gained significant insights and a wealth of knowledge throughout his expansive career, and he has compiled the following outline on prioritizing and protecting brain health:

First, manage neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Due to COVID’s impact of the immune system often triggering a heightened inflammatory response, the brain’s normal functions are disrupted. This particular symptom has been linked to brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and long-term cognitive decline. They are essential in the way the brain ages. Having been linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, when neuroinflammation and oxidated stress are left unaddressed, can exacerbate the onset of these perilous diseases.

Randy’s second piece of advice when managing the effects of Long-Haul COVID on the brain is to address the potential compromise of the blood-brain barrier. This is a protective shield which keeps harmful substances out of the brain but can be weakened from Long-Haul COVID. This allows inflammatory molecules to enter, and at A Mind For All Seasons one of the issues we fight constantly is inflammation. When these molecules enter the brain, it becomes susceptible to long-lasting neurological symptoms like chronic headaches and dizziness.

Third, check in on your hormones. Randy points out the negative effects Long-Haul COVID can have on hormone balance which in turn impacts the quality of sleep, mood, and cognitive abilities as well as other aspects of life. Hormone imbalance contributes to depression, anxiety, and mental exhaustion. Regulating your hormones can have a positive influence in regards to the havoc that Long-Haul COVID may have caused.

Randy’s fourth aspect of combating the effects of Long-Haul COVID on the brain includes improving oxygenation. This might not be something that we think about very often, but the impact of oxygen on the brain is huge. COVID has left countless individuals suffering with persistent respiratory issues which, as a result, leads to poor oxygenation of the brain. Specific breathing exercises or light physical activity like walking or cycling can increase oxygen flow and make a significant impact in reducing fatigue as well as improving mental clarity. At AMFAS we have several therapies that are beneficial to increasing oxygenation such as our Hyperbaric Chamber and our Live02 system which you can learn more about here https://www.braintherapystudio.com/

The fifth and final point that Randy stresses is that of supporting cognitive health. We often remember to make time for our physical health by going to the gym or checking in with our doctor, but do we remember our brain health? Long-Haul COVID has resulted in cognitive impairments, often leaving victims feeling sluggish both physically and mentally in addition to other frustrating symptoms. Practicing mindfulness and using strategic rehabilitation exercises can assist in strengthening and retraining the brain while also improving focus and memory.

Although Long-Haul COVID might have you feeling not quite yourself, there is hope and there are tools and methods you can utilize as you begin your journey to improved brain health and function. Making your brain health a priority by implementing Randy’s outline can lead you to a full life that includes feeling like yourself while caring for those you love. Start today with these practical tips and insights!

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