Brain retraining Expert Views

Dr. Jim Jackson, a research professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has extensive experience in neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation. He emphasizes that Long Covid should be treated as a brain injury, as it often involves neurological symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, and PTSD. Dr. Jackson advocates for cognitive rehabilitation, which he describes as physiotherapy for the brain, and highlights the importance of mindfulness and breathing exercises. He also runs support groups for Long Covid patients, providing them with tools to cope, advocate for themselves, and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Dr. Becca Kennedy explains that Long Covid symptoms often stem from issues with brain signaling rather than structural damage in the body. She emphasizes the importance of calming the nervous system and sending safe signals to the brain to help restore health. Techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, and expressive writing can be helpful, but some patients may need additional methods, such as emotional awareness and expression therapy. These approaches aim to rewire neural pathways and address stored emotions, helping the brain interpret safety rather than danger.

Dan Neuffer, in a podcast episode, discusses the importance of understanding the context of brain retraining for Long Covid recovery. He emphasizes the need to reduce triggers and create an environment for positive neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to change and adapt. Neuffer explains that retraining the nervous system to respond normally to various stimuli is key, rather than just managing symptoms. He also critiques the approach of merely managing pain, advocating instead for addressing the root causes to eliminate it.

Dr. Tania Dempsey explains that limbic retraining, a type of brain retraining, is not about imagining symptoms or suggesting they are 'in your head.' Instead, it addresses the dysfunction in the immune and nervous systems, which are closely connected. She describes this dysfunction as a 'short circuiting' that needs to be stopped. Limbic retraining is one approach among many, and she emphasizes the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies and root causes alongside symptoms. Dr. Dempsey also highlights the complexity of treating Long Covid, noting that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and calling for more randomized control studies to explore effective interventions.

Dr. James Jackson, a neuropsychologist specializing in rehabilitation, discusses brain retraining as a treatment for cognitive impairment in Long Covid patients. He explains that brain retraining leverages neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself, often using computer games or specialized software like Brain HQ. While there is controversy about the effectiveness of brain games, evidence supporting their benefits in areas like attention and processing speed is growing. Dr. Jackson also mentions that medications used for ADHD might be helpful for brain fog symptoms, as they share similarities with cognitive impairments seen in Long Covid.

Julie Black shared her experience with brain retraining as part of her recovery from Long Covid. Initially skeptical, she dismissed the idea of a mind-body approach, thinking it implied her symptoms were purely psychological. However, after exploring resources like the audiobook 'The Way Out' by Alan Gordon, she began to understand the role of the brain in physical illnesses. This shift in perspective helped her see brain retraining as a valid method for addressing her symptoms. Julie noted improvements in her symptoms and outlook, which gave her hope for eventual full recovery.

Dr. Eleanor Stein discusses the concept of brain retraining for Long Covid, emphasizing the role of neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and change. She explains that focusing excessively on symptoms can unintentionally train the brain to become more sensitive to problems, potentially worsening conditions like chemical sensitivity. Instead, she suggests shifting attention to positive experiences and practicing what it feels like to be well, which can help prime neural pathways for recovery. Dr. Stein highlights the interconnectedness of the mind and body, stating that thinking can change the brain and vice versa, and encourages fostering hope and engaging in mood-elevating activities as part of a holistic approach to healing.

Rebecca Tolin discusses brain retraining as a treatment for Long Covid and similar conditions. She emphasizes that these symptoms are not consciously controlled and are not the fault of the individual. Instead, they stem from subconscious processes in the brain and autonomic nervous system. Rebecca shares her personal experience of recovering from ME-CFS by retraining her brain, regulating her nervous system, and addressing her emotional state. She contrasts this approach with traditional biomedical treatments, which she found ineffective and sometimes harmful. Rebecca advocates for understanding the mind-body connection and using techniques that promote recovery without negative side effects.

Dr. Tina Peers discusses brain retraining as a treatment for Long Covid, highlighting its benefits through programs like the GUPT program and neuroplastic retraining. She mentions that patients have reported improvements of up to 30% with these methods. Additionally, she introduces the ARC Microtech device, which uses microcurrents to boost ATP (energy source in cells) and improve cell functionality. This device has shown positive results in reducing symptoms like pain, headaches, brain fog, and fatigue in 95% of users. Originally developed for racehorses, it has been adapted for human use and is recommended for Long Covid patients.

Alysia Dagrosa, a board-certified patient advocate and long COVID survivor, shared her experiences with brain retraining techniques like neurofeedback. She mentioned that neurofeedback helped improve her mental clarity, word-finding abilities, and reduced brain fog, though it was not a complete solution. Alysia also discussed the challenges of other cognitive therapies, such as speech therapy and brain games, which sometimes caused her symptoms to worsen. Despite these difficulties, she emphasized the importance of small wins in managing long COVID symptoms.