Brain Fog Explained: Here's What Mental Fuzziness Is and Why Some People Experience It

Rather than being a medical term, brain is a colloquial jargon that patients could use to explain what they feel.

What Is Brain Fog?

The term is widely used to describe different persisting symptoms, such as mild confusion, difficulty focusing, sluggish or fuzzy thoughts, feeling generally fatigued, and forgetfulness. Though most individuals may experience these sensations passingly, if they persist in the long run, they can affect the quality of life of a person.

Though brain fog does not have a strict clinical definition, its reality must not be negated. Neuroscientist Sabina Brennan, who is the author of the book "Beating Brain Fog," shares that brain fog could be a sign of something amiss.

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Why People May Experience Brain Fog

Patients who experience brain fog may have an underlying medical condition. It could be due to mild functional or structural damage to a brain region called the prefrontal cortex, which handles cognitive processes such as decision-making and planning. Amy Arnsten, a neuroscientist from the Yale School of Medicine, notes that this region has different neurotransmissions compared to some of the more traditional and older circuits, such as the sensory cortexes. Such fragile circuits are notably sensitive to inflammation due to head trauma or infection.

However, brain fog can come alongside various conditions. Inflammatory conditions, such as lupus or multiple sclerosis, can lead to chronic brain fog. Patients with anxiety or depression may also experience muddled and scattered feelings linked to brain fog. Low blood sugar, high blood pressure, sleep deprivation, head injuries, and menopause onset can all contribute to the effect. There are also certain medical treatments that can lead to brain fog, such as sleep aids, some blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy.

Long COVID has also been linked to brain fog. In fact, a 2022 study observed that COVID-19 can lead to abnormalities and up to 2% more loss of gray matter in certain brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex. As a result, the cognitive abilities of people can be affected.

As for treatment, brain fog is largely treatable. The key to addressing the matter is identifying the underlying cause of brain fog. If it is due to a lack of sleep or stress, then simply getting a good night's sleep could improve symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes, such as incorporating a healthy diet and regularly exercising, could also help reduce mental cloudiness.

However, if quality sleep is not sufficient, seeking medical care could be a good idea. Brennan explains that when a person gets concerned with their memory, taking a cautious step will always be better.

Researchers like Arnsten are looking for ways to ameliorate the condition. While they have found some existing drugs that show promise, their work is still in its infancy stage.