Brain fog is not a medically recognized term or diagnosable condition. It’s a common phrase used for a myriad of symptoms affecting your ability to function and think. Brain fog can include things like memory problems, lack of mental clarity, and an inability to focus, and put thoughts into words. Some people describe it as mental fatigue.
On a cellular level, brain fog is believed to be associated with high levels inflammation and changes to three primary hormones: dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol. Some common lifestyle factors associated with brainfog are stress, lack of sleep, diet, hormonal changes, medications, and medical conditions.
Another common known cause id having had COVID-19. Research shows that, among those who have had COVID-19, a condition that has become known as “Long COVID” appears in around 40 percent of the people. For 17 percent, the lingering issues resolved on their own over time. For an unfortunate 11 percent the aftereffects persist. The symptoms of Long COVID include visual disturbances, cognitive impairment, ongoing fatigue, nerve pain, persistent cough, heart palpitations, stomach issues, and more.
One of the most common lingering symptoms is “brain fog.”
Brain fog is a non-medical term that encompasses a range of problems but can generally be described as decreased ability to focus, feelings of fuzziness or confusion, and memory problems.
While the research is still early and ongoing, science has confirmed that COVID-19 can damage the brain. Studies show that even mild cases of COVID-19 are associated with tissue damage and a decrease in brain volume in regions tied to the sense of smell, and a small loss in the brain’s overall grey matter volume.1 Studies have also shown that having been infected with COVID-19 increases the risk of long-term brain problems, including strokes, cognitive and memory problems, depression, anxiety and migraine headaches.2 Studies also indicate that COVID-19 can cause severe neurological complications in people with dementia and accelerate disease progression in all types of dementia.3
The medical community hasn’t quite connected all the dots yet on what exactly is happening in the brain after COVID. However, many of the lingering symptoms are conditions we already know neurofeedback training improves and research is proving that neurofeedback training can help relieve post-COVID issues. In one study, after only five neurofeedback sessions, people experienced a significant reduction of severity of post-COVID anxiety and depression.4 And the research found a positive correlation between depression and fatigue, anxiety, and fatigue, and between depression and anxiety.
If you or a loved one is experiencing brainfog or still feeling the aftereffects of COVID, you don’t have to just wait indefinitely and hope for the symptoms to disappear on their own. Neurofeedback is proven to help tune and balance your brain to get it performing optimally again and resolve many of the symptoms of brainfog.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Brain Fog
We’ve gathered a list of commonly asked questions about Brain Fog, for your convenience. If you don’t see the information you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Simply click on the question that interests you to navigate directly to the relevant section.
Brain fog is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It can feel like slow thinking, poor concentration, forgetfulness, mental fatigue, or difficulty finding words.
Brain fog can be connected to stress, poor sleep, hormone shifts, long COVID, concussion history, inflammation, gut issues, or other health concerns.
For many people, it can. Neurofeedback may help support clearer thinking, better focus, and improved mental stamina by encouraging more efficient brain patterns.
Some clients notice subtle improvements early on, while others need more time and repetition. It often builds gradually.
It may. Many people explore neurofeedback when long COVID brain fog lingers and continues to affect focus, clarity, and energy.
It may. Hormonal shifts can absolutely affect brain function, and neurofeedback can be one helpful piece of support alongside appropriate medical care.
Sometimes brain fog is tied to stress, poor sleep, or hormones, and sometimes it points to a deeper issue that needs medical evaluation. If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or concerning, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider.
This is a concern we hear often. Brain fog tends to fluctuate, is linked to identifiable stressors, and improves when those stressors resolve. Early dementia tends to be more gradual, progressive, and involves memory loss that the person may not be fully aware of. If you are worried, a cognitive evaluation with your physician is the right first step. Neurofeedback is not a substitute for that evaluation.
Yes — sleep, hydration, exercise, and addressing underlying inflammation make an enormous difference. Neurofeedback works faster and holds better when these foundations are in place. We often coach clients on these basics because the results are bigger when the brain has what it needs.
Grey’s Plan — The Most Complete
Brain Training We Offer
If you want the most comprehensive, all-inclusive, guided solution for focus, behavior, and overall brain health—for your child or yourself, Grey’s Plan gives you everything needed to make the next 4 months the turning point.
Neurofeedback alone is powerful.
But when you combine brain training with gut testing, clinical oversight, and unlimited support, results come faster, smoother, and last longer.
Sources: 1. Douaud, G., Lee, S., Arthofer, C., Wang, C., McCarthy, P., Lange, F., Andersson, J. L., Griffanti, L., Duff, E., Jbabdi, S., Taschler, B., Keating, P., Winkler, A. M., Collins, R., Matthews, P. M., Allen, N., Miller, K. L., Nichols, T. E., & Smith, S. M. (2022). SARS-CoV-2 is associated with changes in brain structure in UK Biobank. Nature, 604(7907), 697-707. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04569-5
2. Xu E, Xie Y, Al-Aly Z. Long-term Neurologic Outcomes of COVID-19. Nature Medicine. Sept. 22, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02001-z
3. Dubey, S., Das, S., Ghosh, R., Dubey, M. J., Chakraborty, A. P., Roy, D., Das, G., Dutta, A., Santra, A., Sengupta, S., & Benito-León, J. (2023). The effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the cognitive functioning of patients with pre-existing dementia. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports, 7(1), 119–128. https://doi.org/10.3233/ADR-220090
4. Orendáčová, M., Kvašňák, E., & Vránová, J. (2022). Effect of neurofeedback therapy on neurological post-COVID-19 complications (A pilot study). PLOS ONE, 17(7), e0271350. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0271350