‘ Brain fog’ is used to describe a feeling of mental slowness, difficulty concentrating, finding words, remembering information or processing things as quickly as before. But it is not a medical diagnosis, and persistent cognitive difficulties should not automatically be attributed to brain fog.
This also distinguishes it from some memory disorders, where relatives may be the first to notice changes such as repeated questions, difficulty managing regular tasks or getting lost in familiar places. It is different from the occasional forgetfulness that occurs when a person is tired, distracted or stressed. Forgetting where the keys were kept or briefly forgetting a name, for instance, does not by itself indicate a cognitive disorder. Tiredness is also not the same as brain fog. Fatigue is primarily a feeling of reduced physical or mental energy, while brain fog refers more specifically to difficulties with attention, memory, processing or mental clarity. T. Stress, anxiety and depression can affect attention and processing speed. Other possible contributors include thyroid disorders, diabetes, anaemia and nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin B12 and folate. Migraine and hormonal changes, including those during pregnancy, the postpartum period and menopause, can also be associated with cognitive symptoms. Doctors advise evaluation when symptoms continue despite adequate sleep and lifestyle measures, recur frequently or gradually worsen. A brief cognitive assessment may be useful when there are concerns about memory, attention or language. Brain imaging such as an MRI is also not routinely required for uncomplicated brain fog. It may be considered when symptoms are progressive, the neurological examination is abnormal or there are other features suggesting a structural or neurological cause. A sleep study or EEG may be considered in selected cases.
“Brain fog is basically a subjective feeling that you are cognitively slow, that you are mentally slow, that you are not able to do your daily activities as quickly or as deftly as before,” says Srividhya S., associate consultant, department of neurology, Rela Hospital, Chennai. Swathi, consultant, neurology, SRM Prime Hospital, Chennai, says people with brain fog are often aware that they are not functioning as efficiently as before.
Repeatedly forgetting important information, struggling with previously familiar tasks, difficulty following conversations or unusual changes in work performance are also reasons to consult a doctor.
