9 potential causes of brain fog

Brain fog – ever heard or used this terminology?  Although not recognized as a medical condition, brain fog is sort of like a catch-all for describing a wide range of symptoms. A person may say something like, “I’ve been having brain fog lately.” By using the term “brain fog,” it often helps some people to describe symptoms of having low energy, fatigue, irritability, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, low motivation, depression, anxiety, or confusion.

Potential causes of “brain fog”

While brain fog is not a type of disease or other malady, because someone is using this term to describe their physical symptoms, very likely there is a cause of why they feel this way. The root cause of brain fog is usually indicative of something else that may be going on.  Here is a look at 9 possible reasons why your brain is experiencing “fogginess:”

1. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is a disease which affects your central nervous system.  When this happens, it changes the way your brain “talks” to the rest of your body. Around half of all people with MS have issues with memory, attention, planning, or language. To help retain these abilities as much as possible, it helps to work with a therapist with learning and memory exercises providing new ways and solutions to performing tasks that have become difficult

2. Pregnancy

Ask about any woman who has been pregnant about “brain fog,” and most will say they experienced it. Remembering things during pregnancy can be a struggle. Not only is a woman growing a baby inside her body which causes many changes but the chemicals released to protect and nourish the growing baby may bring on memory issues.  The blame is placed on hormonal changes which can trigger brain fog.  Levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen increase during pregnancy.  This change can effect memory and cause short-term cognitive impairment. 

3. Cancer treatment

Brain fog or sometimes called “chemo fog,” is commonly referenced in patients who have had or are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Many cancer patients will find it more difficult to remember details such as names or dates, multitasking, or taking longer to finish things. It is not known for certain why some cancer patients experience brain or chemo fog, but it likely includes many factors such as the cancer itself, other drugs sued such as steroids, anti-nausea, or pain medicines, surgery and anesthesia, low blood counts, sleep problems, infectin, tiredness, depression, and stress, worry and anxiety, Generally, once chemotherapy is finished, the majority of patients will go back to normal. Any cancer patient who notices this change, should bring it up to their doctor.

4.  Medications

This should not be a surprise as some medications – both prescribed and over-the-counter – can cause problems of noticing brain fog. Anytime you begin a medication and notice your thinking is not as clear or you are suddenly finding it difficult to remember things, call your doctor. It may or may not be related to a medication, but the only way you will know is to ask.  If it is, the medication may need to be stopped or the dosage changed.  But never stop or change a dosage of a medication without first discussing it with your doctor.

5.  Menopause

The change of life for women is another time when brain fog becomes problematic.  The reasoning behind forgetfulness, cloudy thinking, or lack of concentration during menopause is blamed on a drop in the hormone estrogen.  This, along with other bodily changes such as hot flashes, may be helped with hormonal supplements and other types of medications women should discuss with their doctor.

6.  Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a medical condition of extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition.  It may also result in feeling confused, forgetful, and unable to focus, essentially brain fog. While there is no known cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, medication, exercise, and talk therapy may help.

7.  Depression

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects the way you feel, think, and act. It’s the thinking part that can manifest in making a person with depression experience brain fog. They may have feelings of being unmotivated, lack of energy and lack of concentration. Anyone with depression needs to be thoroughly evaluated by their doctor for their condition and to seek out proper treatment for it.  Treatment often includes medication and talk therapy which should be started as soon as possible.

8.  Lack of sleep

The average adult requires between 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Sleep is the body’s way of repairing and restoring itself.  Sleep is important to a number of brain functions, including how nerve cells (neurons) communicate with each other.  In fact, your brain and body stay remarkable active while you sleep.  Research has shown that sleep plays a housekeeping role that removes toxins in your brain that build up while you are awake. Having a regular nighttime routine can help you get the sleep you need for good brain health and functioning, reducing brain fog.  Avoid caffeine and alcohol after lunch and keep the computer and smartphone out of your bedroom. It also helps to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

9.  Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues. About half the people with lupus have problems with memory, confusion, or trouble concentrating, often referred to as “lupus fog.”  The exact cause of lupus fog is not known. In some cases, lupus can damage cells in the brain, leading to cognitive problems. However, in most cases, other factors play a role including fatigue, stress, and depression. Lupus fog is sometimes worse in people who also have fibromyalgia. Tips for improving lupus fog include the following:

·      Staying organized – keep everything in a daily planner

·      Put it in writing – Instead of trying to keep stuff in your head, write it down, and even take notes during conversations.

·      Prioritizing - Divide tasks into two categories – the must-dos and the things that can wait

·      Say it out loud – Sometimes saying something out loud seems to stick better in the short-term memory. 

·      Stretch your memory – Play word games, do crossword puzzles, learn a new skill or other things to sharpen your memory.

·      Develop good habits – Take care of yourself by reducing stress, getting sufficient sleep, and getting regular exercise.

·      Work with a therapist to help teach you ways to work around cognitive symptoms.