When Does Brain Fog Become a Concern?
Has your thinking gotten fuzzy—making you feel confused, decreasing your ability to concentrate, and rendering your memory sluggish? Have you been experiencing a mental haze related to COVID-19? Brain fog isn’t considered a medical condition itself, but it can interfere with your everyday life in so many ways. Common symptoms of brain fog include:
- Memory problems
- Inability to focus or concentrate
- Difficulty processing information
- Trouble problem-solving
- Feelings of confusion or disorientation
- Having a hard time calculating
- Diminished visual and spatial skills
- Trouble finding words
Everybody can experience brain fog after a sleepless night, during a particularly stressful period, or after indulging in a big meal with alcohol, but in some cases, it can be a symptom of a more serious problem. When are your symptoms simply a nuisance and when does mental fatigue become something you need to address? If brain fog persists over time or appears to worsen, it’s time to seek an evaluation.
At Amen Clinics, we have been seeing a growing number of patients who have had COVID-19. Many of them, even those who say they had mild cases and recovered, report experiencing lasting brain fog and fatigue. This is in addition to the mental health issues that originally drove them to seek treatment.
In other people, cognitive dysfunction is linked to other causes. For 67-year-old Lew, making a grave error on his finances that could potentially cost him $100,000 was what prompted him to seek help. He had been a Navy pilot and instructor for 40 years, but he had to stop flying because he was unable to think clearly enough to go through his flight plans. He couldn’t remember conversations; was unable to keep track of schedules, appointments and everyday tasks; and had been forgetting the names of people he recently met. Initially, Lew was diagnosed with dementia, but further testing showed his brain fog was related to a different condition altogether.
6 Conditions Related to Brain Fog
1. COVID-19
Many people with COVID-19 experience an inability to concentrate, confusion, or short-term memory loss. In some people who have recovered from the acute illness, there are lasting issues with mental fog that Amen Clinics calls COVID-Brain. According to a pre-print study published on MedRxiv, cognitive dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms seen in people who are still experiencing issues 7 months after contracting the virus. About 65% of the 3,762 respondents from 56 countries involved in this study reported symptoms lasting longer than 6 months. Over half of those experiencing “long COVID” complained of mental fog.
2. ADD/ADHD
Getting distracted while you’re paying the monthly bills, tuning out during your weekly department meetings at work, misplacing important documents—these brain fog symptoms could be related to adult ADD/ADHD. Approximately 4.4% of adults have been diagnosed with the condition, but experts suggest it may affect many more who remain undiagnosed and untreated. Getting an accurate diagnosis that includes which type of ADD/ADHD you have (brain imaging has identified 7 types of the condition) and receiving proper treatment can help you think more clearly so you can perform better on the job and in all areas of your life.
3. Depression
Depression can make you feel sluggish—both physically and mentally. Many people with this condition have trouble concentrating, remembering things, and making decisions, which can cause you to spiral into even deeper depression. Getting a targeted treatment plan based on the specific type of depression you have (there are 7 types of depression) can help minimize symptoms of brain fog.
4. Exposure to Toxic Mold
For Lew, the 67-year-old pilot who had to give up flying due to fuzzy thinking, lab testing and brain SPECT imaging showed that his brain fog stemmed from exposure to toxic mold after his home had some water damage. If Lew had simply continued taking the medications he’d been prescribed for dementia, he wouldn’t have gotten any better, and he never would have discovered that toxic mold was the root cause of his cognitive dysfunction issues. Through a cleansing program that included nutrition, supplements, meditation, and exercise, Lew’s memory and thinking began to improve. After three months, he said, “I’m fully functional again.”
5. Lyme Disease
Common symptoms of brain fog, such as having trouble with focus, problem-solving, and memory can be signs of Lyme disease. This bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected deer tick can cause a host of cognitive and neuropsychological issues. Unless Lyme disease is detected and treated appropriately, the infection persists, and symptoms can worsen.
6. Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia
Losing your train of thought, feeling overwhelmed by the decision-making process, having trouble navigating familiar areas—these brain fog symptoms could be related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or a form of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. Having brain fog or feeling like your memory is slipping when you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, or even in your 80s is common, but it’s not normal. It can be a sign of impending doom. If you live to the age of 85, you have a nearly 50% chance of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Taking action early to reduce the risk factors that contribute to dementia can help you reduce symptoms of cognitive dysfunction.
No matter your age, persistent symptoms of brain fog should be taken seriously. If you’re struggling with your thinking or memory, now is the time to seek an evaluation. Finding the root cause of your cognitive problems can help you find the right treatment plan. The earlier you start with targeted solutions, the more effective they will be at helping you clear brain fog.
Brain fog, memory issues, and fuzzy thinking can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we use brain SPECT imaging as part of a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root causes of brain fog and to address the conditions related to cognitive dysfunction. Amen Clinics has also created a proven Memory Rescue Program that can help you address your risk factors, train your brain, and improve your memory.
As an essential medical practice, Amen Clinics locations are open and available for in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
