If a person constantly doubts whether they locked their car or forgets where they put things at home, these symptoms should not be ignored. The persistent manifestation of such signs can be caused by a specific mental illness known in medical terminology as 'brain fog.'
'Brain fog' is a term used to describe conditions that affect the brain's cognitive functions. It impacts the ability to think clearly, concentrate, maintain attention, remember information, and focus on anything. As the name suggests, these symptoms create a feeling of 'fogginess' in the brain, which makes performing daily tasks difficult.
Among these signs are difficulties recalling words during a long conversation, forgetfulness, and a state of confusion after completing an activity. For example, constant doubts about whether the car was locked, or confusion after leaving the house about whether the air conditioner or fan was turned off, can indicate the development of 'brain fog.'
Dr. Daljit Singh, former head of the neurosurgery department at GB Pant Hospital in Delhi, explained that 'brain fog' can have many causes. These include diabetes and low blood sugar, mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, as well as neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. Other factors include hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, as well as poor nutrition and severe stress.
People who experience these conditions for a long time are at an increased risk of developing 'brain fog.'
Currently, there is no specific cure for 'brain fog.' Primarily, doctors can provide recommendations to improve the patient's immune system. These tips include correcting sleep patterns, maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet, daily 30-minute physical exercise, and regular short breaks throughout the day (approximately every 30 minutes) to reduce the load on the brain.
Patients may also undergo psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, upon a doctor's recommendation. If the listed methods do not help eliminate 'brain fog,' treatment of individual symptoms with medication, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be necessary.
There is no set duration for how long 'brain fog' will last; it can be felt from a few days to several weeks. However, in some cases, this condition can persist for months or even years. If 'brain fog' negatively affects a person's quality of life, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
It is impossible to completely prevent 'brain fog,' but steps can be taken to improve one's physical and mental health, thereby reducing the likelihood of its unpleasant symptoms appearing.