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Brain Fog Isn’t Just in Your Head. Here’s What Causes It — and What Can Help You Feel Sharper

Prevention

Meghan Rabbitt

Brain fog has garnered rising attention as a symptom of long COVID. What causes it, and what can be done to avoid it?

Overview

Brain fog can be brought on by lack of sleep, prolonged stress, respiratory diseases, medication side effects, and menopause, and has risen in prominence following the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain fog can make it difficult to work, drive, and even hold a conversation. The brain is built to function extremely well under short periods of stress, but when this goes on for too long, it can become burnt out.

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"​We all do things that wear out the brain, and then we wonder why we’re not as clearheaded as we used to be. ... Science has revealed the surprising truth that you can actually do more to make your brain healthy than any other part of your body." Sandra Bond Chapman Chief Director of Center for BrainHealth
By developing a routine of stress management and regular sleep, brain fog may be prevented. Keeping your brain engaged in daily deep critical thinking can also be vital according to Chapman's research. Excitement and critical thinking help support and maintain healthy brain function, keeping you alert and brain fog at bay.Read more at Prevention

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Sandi Chapman, Founder and Chief Director, Center for BrainHealth, Co-Leader, The BrainHealth Project, Dee Wyly Distinguished Professor

Sandra Bond Chapman, PhD

Chief Director Dee Wyly Distinguished Professor, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences Co-Leader, The BrainHealth Project


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