US EditionWhy US Leads World in Long COVID-19 Related Brain Fog
U.S. patients report up to 86% brain fog and nearly 75% depression or anxiety, reflecting cultural and healthcare access differences, not virus severity.
- The study published in January by Northwestern Medicine evaluated long COVID patients across Chicago, Medellín, Lagos and Jaipur, finding higher reported brain fog and psychological symptoms in the U.S. compared to other regions.
- Statistical analysis revealed symptom patterns clustered by income level, with researchers attributing higher U.S. reporting to cultural attitudes, healthcare access, and lower stigma rather than biology.
- Among non-hospitalized patients, 86% in the U.S. reported brain fog versus 63% in Nigeria, 62% in Colombia and 15% in India, with nearly 75% of U.S. patients reporting depression or anxiety and nearly 60% insomnia; common neurological symptoms included fatigue, myalgia, headache, dizziness and sensory disturbances.
- Researchers are testing cognitive rehabilitation treatments in Colombia and Nigeria using protocols developed at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and authors say healthcare systems must provide long-term care and follow-up.
- The authors urge culturally sensitive screening tools, noting `It is culturally accepted in the U.S. and Colombia to talk about mental health and cognitive issues, whereas that is not the case in Nigeria and India`, as long COVID impacts millions worldwide.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Why long COVID brain fog seems so much worse in the U.S.
A massive international study of more than 3,100 long COVID patients uncovered a striking divide in how brain-related symptoms are reported around the world. In the U.S., the vast majority of non-hospitalized patients described brain fog, depression, and anxiety, while far fewer patients in countries like India and Nigeria reported the same issues. The difference doesn’t appear to be about the virus itself, but about culture, stigma, and access …
Long COVID brain fog far more common in US than India, other nations
Patients with long COVID-19 in the U.S. report far higher rates of brain fog, depression and cognitive symptoms than patients in countries such as India and Nigeria, according to a large international study led by Northwestern Medicine. The authors note that higher reported symptom burden in the U.S. may reflect lower stigma and greater access to neurological and mental health care, rather than more severe disease.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
