Brain fog is the term used for the symptom of poor short term memory, lack of concentration, difficulty learning new things and my all time favorite, inability to think of or say the correct words. This is a common symptom of long term illness and one of the many I have heard sufferers of Dercum’s complain about.
There is a plethora of reasons why people with Rare Adipose Disorders may suffer from brain fog: low oxygen levels; nutritional imbalances; elevated copper levels and other toxic metals; poor digestion; thyroid issues; hyperglycemia; allergies; and of course some of the medicines we consume to alleviate other symptoms of our disease.
The question is: Can this be treated?
Just like any other muscle in your body, your brain needs to be exercised. As the saying goes, use it or lose it. Mindfulness exercises, such as memory games, interaction with others and meditation can help stave off the brain fog. Breathing exercises can also help by providing the body with much needed oxygen. Studies have shown that Omega-3 Fish Oil and Vitamin D3 may help cognitive performance as well as help with overall well-being. As with everything, nothing works overnight but by taking care of your brain with some or all of these suggestions, you may notice a difference over time.
If your brain fog is severe, talk to your doctor about medication that may help. There are medications that are currently used for Narcolepsy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Shift Work Disorder and other known sleep disorders. The class of drug is eugeroics, which are stimulants that provide long-lasting mental arousal. I do admit this sounds fabulous but like any medication there are side effects to consider and with this class of drug being so new to the market in the USA (created in 1998 with Provigil), it is not always easy for a doctor to prescribe. You may have to prove you have a sleep disorder first by going through a sleep study or two (it took me 3 times) before they will take out their little pad and write it up for you, or, more realistically today, type it into a computer and send it off to your pharmacy.
My suggestion is for 10 to 15 minutes every day, turn off the television, put your virtual farm and pets on hold and log into the many sites that have free “Brain Games”. There you can work on building your memory and concentration skills. While you are clicking around, you may as well try to do something to improve your brain function before you forget to do it all together. Here's to a more focused tomorrow!
