Cognitive dysfunction or brain fog is referred to an unusual situation when the brain exhibits extremely poor mental functions. Brain fog is often associated with symptoms like poor memory, forgetfulness, learning disabilities and problems in concentrating over an extended period of time.
However, brain fog is a term that is not used to refer to patients particularly suffering from Dementia or other psychological conditions that commonly cause poor memory problems and confusion. Nonetheless, brain fog can always be used as a synonym to refer to other problems of grogginess and sleep inertia in case an individual is all of a sudden awakened from deep sound sleep.
Indeed, if truth be told, a lot of the psychologists are of the view that brain fog acts as a suitable mode of escape for people who are finding it hard to deal with acute stress-related conditions and conflict posing situations that cause a threat. By resorting to brain fog they manage to avoid frustration, anger and sadness that are commonly experienced in situations of stress.
Causes of Brain Fog
The exact causes of brain fog are not really known. There are a number of factors that are believed to be the causes of this distinct disease that leads to learning disabilities, fatigue and poor memory. There are a number of factors both psychiatric and medical and also those surfacing from other treatments that can lead to brain fog symptoms.
The brain always requires lots of energy so that it may function in a proper way. When a person is acutely tired the brain can significantly suffer causing brain fog. Some conditions that cause brain fog are:
- Adrenal collapse
- Food and chemical reactions
- Nutritional deficiency
Some of the psychological conditions that may result in brain fog are:
- Stress
- Depression
- Denial
Some of the most significant brain fog causes are:
- Large scale metal poisoning particularly in case mercury poisoning is involved
- Fibromyalgia
- Menopause
- Sleep disorders along with disrupted sleep
Moreover, there are certain spiritual conditions as well that may lead to brain fog and the related problems of poor memory.
Effects of Brain Fog
Brain fog is a common mental condition that tends to affect people of all ages. Brain fog is characterized by an acute state of extreme confusion along with reduced levels of clarity due to poor memory levels and memory skills. Brain fog affects an individual in a way making them exceptionally forgetful and disconnected from the rest of the surroundings. Other than poor memory, brain fog can also lead to depression, fatigue and a feeling of discouragement.
Studies reveal that brain fog is a psychological problem that affects hundreds and thousands of people irrespective of their age. When brain fog affects children it causes serious learning disabilities with poor memory. Brain fog is the root to a number of problems that students face at the school level. Brain fog may also affect grown up individuals causing problems at work and also at times hinders the domestic family life. Other than poor memory, learning disabilities and fatigue, brain fog also causes reduced self esteem resulting in serious relationship problems as well. Some psychologists are of the view that brain fog can at times also cause delinquency and crime as some of the effects.
Often, people who have been suffering from brain fog for a prolonged period of time start believing that they are actually stupid and dumb. This forces them to feel inferior and also hinders a proper thinking process. But actually it is not the case. Individuals who have ample knowledge and experience of dealing with situations of brain fog may also practice self assertion and start believing that they don’t have learning disabilities or low intelligence level. But it is all a real disorder that they are suffering from which is causing the poor memory.
Treatments for Brain Fog for Improving Memory
First and foremost, the two most significant causes of brain fog, worry and stress need to be taken care of for suitable improving memory. A simple stress relieving process may help in this context. The patient can be asked to close his eyes and take deep breaths. This way the acute tension will start running out of the body parts and all the muscles in the body. He or she should be paying attention to the breath and this way all other distracting thoughts will start slipping away slowly but steadily.
Next on the list is a little more intense exercise aiming at mindfulness. This is a brief process that takes a couple of minutes but works miracle if used on a regular basis. In order to effectively do away with brain fog and improve memory one should first and foremost stop whatever he or she is doing at the moment. Thereon they need to concentrate on their own feelings and thoughts at the moment. With extended practice individuals will gain the power to identify those particular thoughts that go beyond consciousness and tend to hinder concentration.