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Cognitive Decline/Brain Fog
Did you know?- 'Brain fog' is the feeling that both thinking and memory is 'foggy' rather than clear.
- It can cause short term memory loss, reduced or slowed thinking, inhibited decision making or other impairments in mental capacities.
- 'Brain fog' is a symptom of cognitive decline which happens as we age, but it can also be due to cognitive impairment which is usually the result of an illness or injury.
What is Cognitive impairment or 'Brain fog'?
Brain fog is the feeling that you cannot think as clearly as you used too. It can affect memory, decision making, concentration and the speed at which you are able to process information.
Brain fog is a symptom of lots of things, including cognitive decline which is a normal part of ageing. Cognitive decline usually occurs because as we get older the neurons in our brain decrease in speed meaning than brain functions are slowed.
Sometimes brain fog is brought on by illnesses or injury. For example, Long COVID or a traumatic brain injury. This is usually referred to as cognitive impairment.
While brain fog in itself is not a mental health issue. It is very closely related to mental health as it can be both a symptom of common mental health conditions such as depression or stress, and a cause for others such as anxiety.
What are the signs and symptoms?
For many people the symptoms of brain fog are hard to spot, and it might be your friends and family who notice a change in you before you do.
Common symptoms are:
- Short term memory problems. For example, starting to prepare food and then getting distracted and forgetting to finish, or forgetting important appointments.
- Losing the ability to concentrate. Finding it difficult to stay focused on one thing for too long, being easily distracted or having difficulty following instructions or directions.
- Feeling overwhelmed by making plans or having to organise tasks. The ability to make decisions, or think about the consequences of decisions, can be affected making planning difficult.
What is the difference between brain fog and age-related cognitive decline?
Some gradual cognitive decline is a natural part of aging. We all tend to become a little more forgetful as we get older. However, these declines to not affect overall functioning or our ability to live a normal life. Normal aging does not affect decision making, long-term memory or the speed at which we think.
Dementia is a condition closely associated with age-related cognitive decline. Dementia is a term that is used to describe a decline in mental function severe enough to interfere with daily living. Whilst a gradual cognitive decline might eventually lead to dementia it is not guaranteed.
Brain fog is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. It can be due to cognitive decline, cognitive impairment, dementia or it can be due to other issues.
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What are the causes of brain fog?
It is believed that brain fog is a symptom of inflammation which can be triggered by viral infection, stress hormones, diet and even medication.
There are many things that can cause the feeling of ‘brain fog’. For example, illnesses such as Long COVID, Multiple Sclerosis or mental health conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder or Anxiety can cause brain fog.
Brain fog can also be caused by lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep, stress, poor diet and allergy medications.
What help and resources are available for people who need support or further advice?
You can attempt to improve brain fog at home trying things such as:
- ensuring you get 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night
- managing stress by understanding your limits and avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine intake
- engaging in regular exercise
- boosting cognitive function through activities such as volunteering, chess or solving brain puzzles
- enjoying leisure activities that help you relax and unwind
If you feel that you have brain fog symptoms which won’t go away even if you get enough sleep, eat well and avoid alcohol then you should consult your GP.
If you are experiencing symptoms of brain fog following a recent COVID infection then you can read more on the NHS Your COVID Recovery website.
Experiencing brain fog can be frustrating, but it's important not to ignore the symptoms. If left untreated, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life. However, once you identify and address the underlying cause, you can improve your mental clarity and find relief.
What are the recent developments in research for cognitive decline and brain fog?
In 2022 MQ announced the launch of a new study into COVID related brain fog. This study is being led by researchers at Oxford University and was made possible by a generous grant from the Wolfson foundation.
The aim of this new study is to identify the specific cognitive deficits underlying long-COVID induced brain fog, identify the mechanisms in the brain that cause the impairments and to develop and test interventions.
It is also hoped that what we learn about COVID induced brain fog in this study will help us to better understand brain fog more widely, as it is also a common symptom in other long-term conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis.
This study will be led by Oxford University and will include clinical and data researchers from Imperial College London and the University of Leicester who have already gathered 12 months of research data from over 2,000 people with long COVID.
Want to see more of our mental health research? See how our world-class researchers are working tirelessly to better understand, diagnose and treat mental illness.
F.A.Q.
What does a brain fog feel like?
Brain fog is a feeling of mental haziness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
How do I fix my brain fog?
Consult a GP. They can determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Do I need to see a doctor for brain fog?
Yes. Consult your GP for diagnosis and treatment.
How to test for brain fog?
There is no specific test. Consult a GP for diagnosis and treatment.
How long does brain fog last?
Brain fog duration varies. It can be temporary or persistent, depending on the underlying cause.
What does brain fog feel like physically?
Brain fog can feel physically like:
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Headache
- Difficulty focusing your eyes
- Sensitivity to light or sound
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