Brain Fog in post-COVID-19 syndrome: a bibliographic review

• Autor(a) principal: Alves Junior, Valdir Donizeti
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Outros Autores: Campos, Ana Sofia Arradi, Freire, Ananda Soares de Brito, Matos, Isabella La-Côrte Morais, Silva, Kescya Miranda de Paula
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Debates em Psiquiatria (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://revistardp.org.br/revista/article/view/1109
• topic: fadiga mental; brain fog; epidemiologia; prognóstico; tratamento; COVID-19; confusão mental; Mental fatigue; brain fog; epídemiology; prognosis; mental confusion; treatment; COVID-19; brain fog; epidemiología; pronóstico; confusión mental; tratamiento; COVID-19; fatiga mental

Introduction: Studies are indicating a high incidence of acute psychiatric symptoms post SARS-CoV-2 infection. Those who experience persistent symptoms and/or prolonged organic dysfunctions after the acute phase of COVID-19 are diagnosed with post-covid syndrome. Cognitive impairment in this syndrome includes short-term memory deficits, difficulties with concentration and execution and slower thinking compared to the previous pattern of functioning. Objective: To provide an overview of the topic of “Brain Fog” and, in this way, contribute to the knowledge of health professionals and the development of mental health management strategies. Method: This is narrative review of literature, with data collection carried out in the PubMed, LILACS and Scielo databases. 14 papers were selected, which covered the following items on the topic: epidemiology, clinic, prognosis and treatment. Results: Female gender was observed to be associated with a greater chance of presenting post-covid cognitive impairment. Treatment strategies include neuropsychological assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, mental health support and adequate sleep. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in managing persistent symptoms and supporting the return to normal life. Conclusion: A high prevalence of cognitive dysfunction was observed in the post-acute period of COVID-19 infection. There was also great heterogeneity in the characterization of symptoms, making it necessary to establish consensual definitions about the condition studied, for better investigation of prevention and treatment strategies.