A four-week course of at-home magnetic brain stimulation improved working memory, processing speed, and emotional well-being in people with long COVID cognitive symptoms, with gains continuing for a month after treatment ended.
The research
In a triple-blind, sham-controlled pilot trial published in Brain Communications, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai tested Microtesla Magnetic Therapy (MMT) in 30 adults with documented post-COVID cognitive impairment. The device, developed by Fareon®, is a headset that delivers low-amplitude, nonthermal radio-frequency magnetic fields across the whole brain.
Participants were randomly assigned 2:1 to either active MMT or a sham headset that looked, sounded, and operated identically. They self-administered 15-minute sessions twice weekly for four weeks at home, overseen remotely by Mount Sinai coordinators. Cognitive performance, mood, and quality-of-life measures were collected at baseline, week four, and week eight—a four-week follow-up after treatment stopped.
Compared with the sham group, those receiving active MMT showed significant improvements in working memory, processing speed, and verbal learning. They also reported better emotional well-being and daily functioning. The home protocol was safe and well tolerated, with more than 80% of participants completing it and no notable device-related side effects.
Most notably, the active group's cognitive and mood gains continued to grow between week four and week eight, even though no further treatment was given. This durable effect hints at lasting neuroplastic or anti-inflammatory changes rather than a temporary boost. The trial's small size means larger studies are needed to confirm the findings, but the results provide early evidence for a non-invasive option where few exist.
“What is particularly encouraging about these findings is that we observed improvements across several cognitive domains, as well as in daily functioning and well-being, and that these improvements persisted even after treatment ended.” — Jacqueline Becker, Ph.D., co-senior author, Icahn Mount Sinai
Why it matters
Long COVID brain fog affects millions and can disrupt work, school, and daily life. With few validated treatments, this trial points to a potential new tool—one that can be used at home under remote supervision. For anyone tracking their own cognition, the study also highlights how targeted brain stimulation might support memory, speed, and mood. While this research focuses on long COVID, it adds to broader interest in non-invasive neuromodulation for cognitive health.
What you can do
- Track your own cognition: Baseline measures like reaction time, working memory, and processing speed can help you notice changes over time.
- Talk to your doctor: If you have persistent brain fog after COVID, discuss whether you might qualify for a clinical trial or referral to a cognitive specialist.
- Stay evidence-curious: Follow peer-reviewed research rather than marketing claims. Ask about sample size, blinding, and follow-up durations.
Source: Neuroscience News
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