Clinical trial at UAB studying way to clear âbrain fogâ from COVID-19 (Source: Pexels) By WBRC Staff | February 23, 2021 at 5:23 PM CST - Updated February 23 at 5:26 PM
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - âBrain fogâ is what doctors call a change in cognitive function many COVID-19 patients experience as a long-term effect from the virus. The fog is marked by memory problems and a struggle to think clearly. A new clinical trial at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is testing a rehabilitation method to remedy the problem.
A report on 120 patients in France, published in October 2020, found that more than a third had memory loss and 27 percent had cognitive difficulties months after recovering from COVID-19. In another study, a hospital network in Chicago reported that, among 509 patients, nearly a third experienced altered mental function; of these, 68 percent were unable to handle routine daily activities such as cooking or paying bills.
Researchers say many COVID patients have experienced symptoms such as memory loss, and difficulty thinking clearly for months after recovering from the initial illness.
What experts can say is that travel will be safer for some people, and in some places, sooner rather than later. They also agree that "normal" is a long way away.
Dr. Judd said based on the number of vaccinations that have already been administered, as well as findings from a recent study by Columbia University, she estimates the nation may reach herd immunity by May.
As of Wednesday, the seven-day rolling average of daily new cases was down just 3 percent in New York over the past two weeks, compared to a decline of 37 percent nationwide.