How to Recover from Covid Brain - Dr. Daniel Amen

#therapy, #diet, #habits

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How to deal with Brain Fog

Summary

How to Recover from Covid Brain | Dr. Daniel Amen

  1. Introduction and Background:

    • The topic of "covid brain" has been frequently discussed in various platforms, including a private Facebook group with over 100,000 members.
    • Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned psychiatrist and author, has conducted over 200,000 brain scans and discusses the long-term effects of COVID on the brain.

  2. Symptoms and Effects:

    • Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pains, and more.
    • Brain-specific symptoms include memory issues, concentration problems, sleep disturbances, loss of smell or taste, and mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.

  3. Brain Scans and Observations:

    • Brain scans of COVID-affected individuals showed inflammation in emotional brain structures.
    • There's a noted increase in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues post-COVID, with some patients even becoming psychotic.

  4. Recommendations for Recovery:

    • Dr. Amen suggests anti-inflammatory supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, high doses of vitamins C and D, quercetin, and curcumin.
    • A healthy diet rich in green plants, proper rest, and potentially using hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be beneficial.
    • SSRIs, like Luvox, have shown potential in reducing COVID-related complications.

  5. Promotion of Dr. Amen's New Book:

    • Dr. Amen's book, "You Happier," discusses the neuroscience of feeling good and offers strategies to boost serotonin.
    • The book also delves into other Neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, providing insights into achieving happiness and brain health.

Brain Scans and Observations

Let's delve deeper into the Brain Scans and Observations as discussed by Dr. Daniel Amen:

  1. Inflammation in Emotional Brain Structures:

    • Dr. Amen observed inflammation in various parts of the brain, particularly in the emotional or limbic brain structures. The limbic system is responsible for emotions, memories, and arousal.

    • Specific areas affected included the thalamus (which relays sensory signals to the cerebral cortex), basal ganglia (involved in various processes, including control of voluntary motor movements), amygdala (which plays a key role in processing emotions), and the hippocampus (crucial for memory and learning).

  2. Loss of Sense of Taste and Smell:

    • One of the early indications that COVID-19 affects the brain was the symptom of anosmia (loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste). These symptoms suggested that the virus might be impacting brain areas related to these senses.

  3. Increased Mental Health Issues:

    • Beyond the immediate symptoms of loss of taste and smell, there was a notable increase in anxiety and depression among those affected by COVID-19. This rise was separate from the general increase in these conditions due to pandemic-related isolation and fear.

    • Some patients even exhibited severe symptoms like seizures, a clear indication of the virus's impact on brain function.

  4. Brain Fog and Other Symptoms:

    • Many individuals reported "brain fog," a term used to describe feelings of confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of focus and mental clarity.

    • Other observed symptoms included changes in appetite (likely linked to the altered sense of taste and smell), increased irritability, muscle spasms, and chronic feelings of unhappiness.

  5. Comparative Brain Scans:

    • Dr. Amen had the unique advantage of having pre-COVID brain scans of some of his long-term patients. By comparing these with post-COVID scans, he could directly observe the changes and damage caused by the virus.

    • In some scans, the post-COVID brain showed signs similar to what is seen in conditions like Lyme disease, indicating inflammation and damage to specific brain structures.

  6. Visual Representation of Damage:

    • Dr. Amen described the post-COVID brain scans of some individuals as looking like "a bomb went off in her emotional brain." This vivid description underscores the significant impact and inflammation observed in the brain due to the virus.

In summary, the brain scans and observations made by Dr. Amen and others in the medical community highlight the profound and varied effects of COVID-19 on the brain. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the virus's neurological implications and developing strategies for treatment and recovery.

Recommendations for Recovery

Let's delve deeper into the Recommendations for Recovery as discussed by Dr. Daniel Amen:

  1. Anti-inflammatory Supplements:

    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are essential fats that our body can't produce on its own. They play a crucial role in brain function and can reduce inflammation. Common sources include fish oil and flaxseed.

    • Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system. It can help reduce oxidative stress in the body, which is linked to inflammation.

    • Vitamin D: Often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," it has multiple roles in the body, including modulating cell growth, supporting immune function, and reducing inflammation. Dr. Amen suggests aiming for a higher normal level, especially during a pandemic.

    • Quercetin: A plant flavonol from the flavonoid group of polyphenols. It's known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to reduce inflammation.

    • Curcumin: The main active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

  2. Dietary Recommendations:

    • Green Plants: Incorporating as many green plants as possible into one's diet can be beneficial. They are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants that support overall health and brain function.

    • Protein Shake with Bright Minds Powder: Dr. Amen mentions making a shake with protein powder and a product called Bright Minds powder, which likely contains a blend of nutrients beneficial for brain health.

  3. Rest and Sleep:

    • Proper rest is emphasized, especially for those recovering from COVID. The body heals and regenerates during sleep, making it crucial for recovery.

    • Dr. Amen mentions his personal experience, noting that he began taking naps after contracting COVID, highlighting the virus's impact on energy levels.

  4. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (Hbot):

    • Some patients have benefited from hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. This therapy can increase blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation.

  5. Mental Health Medications:

    • Fluvoxamine (an SSRI): FDA approved for OCD, it was found to significantly reduce deaths and hospitalizations from COVID. SSRIs can calm down brain activity, which might be beneficial for some COVID-affected individuals.

    • Dr. Amen emphasizes the importance of boosting serotonin naturally, suggesting methods like exercise and certain dietary habits. However, for some, an SSRI might be beneficial, but it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional.

In all these recommendations, Dr. Amen stresses the importance of individualized care and consulting with a healthcare practitioner before making any changes or starting any treatments.