Understanding Brain Fog: Is It Normal Aging or Something More?

The human brain remains one of the most remarkable parts of our bodies; it stores information at a capacity far higher than most computers, has a neural network processing 11 million bits of information every second, and consumes 20% of the body’s energy. It can detect over a trillion smells, and can even reorganize its neural pathways after injury.

How our brains function also changes over time, and several things, like disease, injury, and aging, can affect memory, focus, and other cognitive functions. Brain fog is an example of a cluster of temporary issues that cause mild cognitive impairment, and while age is sometimes connected to such a problem, it can come from many other causes.

Our medical staff at Riverhills Neuroscience helps the residents of Norwood, Anderson, Westside, Ohio, and Crestview Hills, Kentucky, with many neurological problems, including those with cognitive issues like brain fog as a symptom.

Defining brain fog

This collection of cognitive symptoms doesn’t affect everyone with the same signs, but in most cases, people experience issues with losing their train of thought, not having the right words, issues paying attention, slow reaction time, confusion, and fatigue.

The result affects your ability to do basic things, like talking to others, listening, or keeping track of something you’re doing or were about to do. Since there are several possible causes, there isn’t a fixed timeframe for how long it lasts. It can happen over a few days, weeks, or last for months or even years.

Possible causes

The risk factors of brain fog vary widely, and you can experience it as a result of issues like:

Chronic stress

Dealing with issues or trauma that create persistent stress issues can cause several problems, such as a rise in blood pressure, a compromised immune system, depression, and mental fatigue. The latter issue in particular can affect your ability to reason, focus, or think.

Poor quality of sleep

The inability to get a good night’s rest (at least eight to nine hours) can affect how well you function and focus mentally during the day.

Hormonal changes

Research indicates that changes in hormone levels, such as when women get pregnant or go through menopause, can impair cognition in the short term.

Diet

Either a vitamin deficiency (B12 supports healthy brain function) or issues with food allergies or sensitivities can also cause brain fog.

Medications

Sleep and pain medications are known to hinder cognitive function, and after cancer treatments, people can experience what’s known as chemo brain, which affects cognition.

Illnesses

Fatigue, inflammation, or blood glucose level changes due to problems like diabetes, anemia, depression, migraines, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, dehydration, and viral infections can cause brain fog.

Reasons to be concerned

If you deal with this set of symptoms persistently without a known cause, or the problem is accompanied by other symptoms, including fever, irregular periods, rash, urinary changes, palpitations, or nausea, you should get medical help.

With so many possible causes of brain fog, when you do come in, it’s important to try to be as specific as possible in describing what you’re going through to help us. This includes the symptoms you’re dealing with, your medical history, and any medications you’re taking.

Brain fog can leave you feeling confused and uneasy, and several issues can cause it to happen, but if you need help dealing with it, make an appointment with our team at Riverhills Neuroscience today.