But others, like brain fog, are more puzzling. Many people who have recovered from COVID-19 have reported feeling not like themselves: experiencing short-term memory loss, confusion, an inability to concentrate, and just feeling differently than they did before contracting the infection.

What causes sudden disorientation?

Two common causes of disorientation are delirium and dementia. Delirium is caused by sudden abnormal brain functioning. It lasts for only a short period. It can be triggered by medications, infections, and trauma.

What is confusion a symptom of?

Confusion or decreased alertness may be the first symptom of a serious illness, particularly in older adults. Health problems that can cause confusion or decreased alertness include: Infections, such as a urinary tract infection, respiratory infection, or sepsis. Alzheimer’s disease.

Can Covid cause long term confusion?

Physicians treating people hospitalized with COVID-19 report that a large number experience delirium, and that the condition disproportionately affects older adults. An April 2020 study in Strasbourg, France, found that 65% of people who were severely ill with coronavirus had acute confusion — a symptom of delirium1.

What brain fog feels like?

Dr. Hafeez explains that brain fog symptoms can include feeling tired, disoriented or distracted; forgetting about a task at hand; taking longer than usual to complete a task; and experiencing headaches, memory problems, and lack of mental clarity.

Is disorientation a symptom of anxiety?

Extreme depression and anxiety can also lead to feelings of disorientation. Brain disorders that affect cognitive functioning and memory, such as dementia, often cause people to feel disoriented.

How do you deal with a confused person?

Try to make the person feel at ease and reassure them that their memory problems are not their fault. Reassure them that you care for or love them regardless of their memory and functioning, as this will provide a sense of security for the person. Try not to be upset if the person refuses to accept what you are saying.