![]() ![]() COVID-19 infection also can increase frailty, which can trigger mobility issues. Treatment may involve both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapy. Various tools screen for cognitive impairment, delirium and depression. “The program has the resources to diagnose and treat the patient, whether they have brain fog or another condition that has worsened following a COVID-19 infection.”Īccording to Ardeshir Hashmi, MD, Section Chief of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Geriatric Medicine, all patients referred to the Successful Aging Program are evaluated for: “We especially promote the program to patients struggling with cognition or mood disorder,” says Baloun. Nearly every patient age 65 and older is introduced to the Successful Aging Program and offered a consultation. “The Neuro-QoL tool supplements that anecdotal information and helps me quantify cognitive impairment.” “I also ask every patient age 65 and older about specifics like forgetting a family member’s name, forgetting to turn off the stove or lock the door, and confusion while driving or paying bills,” says Baloun. Prior to their visit, patients complete several questionnaires, including the Neuro-QoL™ assessment, which helps detect changes in neurological function. “Most of the patients I see, regardless of age, present with exertion intolerance, like breathlessness or chest discomfort fatigue and cognitive change,” says Brittany Baloun, MSN, APRN-CNP, one of several providers in the clinic, which is headed by infectious disease physician Kristin Englund, MD. Patients undergo a series of evaluations, exams and lab tests - to assess everything from heart and lung function to inflammation and vitamin deficiency - and then are referred to Cleveland Clinic specialists as needed. ![]() The reCOVer clinic began seeing patients in February 2021. “In addition to providing initial care, the reCOVer clinic is helping us collect data on these patients, so we’ll be able to study what accelerates or delays recovery from conditions like brain fog.” Geriatric care in the reCOVer clinic Now the focus is on managing long-lasting symptoms,” says Dr. ![]() “Early in the pandemic, older adults were more concerned about dying from COVID-19. There a geriatrician conducts cognitive assessments and provides ongoing monitoring. Patients age 65 and older that report brain fog during their intake evaluation are referred to Geriatrics’ Successful Aging Program. To fast-track patients with brain fog complaints, Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Geriatric Medicine is collaborating with the health system’s new reCOVer clinic, an intake hub for patients with lingering COVID-19 symptoms. “Early intervention is important for all of these conditions, and treatment varies by diagnosis.” “Problems with memory, focus and thinking are treatable, but we first need to distinguish brain fog from other cognitive impairments, such as dementia, delirium and depression,” says Dr. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services Policy Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. ![]()
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