Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 23: Forgetting why you entered a room or struggling to concentrate despite completing daily tasks is often described as "brain fog". While the term has become increasingly common, neurologists say it is not a medical condition but a symptom that may point to underlying lifestyle or health issues.

According to Dr Girishkumar Soni, Consultant Neurologist at Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, brain fog refers to a collection of cognitive symptoms rather than a disease.

Patients commonly experience forgetfulness, poor concentration, slow thinking, mental fatigue, difficulty multitasking and trouble processing information, often describing the feeling as having a "cloudy" brain.

"As neurologists, we see brain fog as a symptom rather than as a disorder itself," Dr Soni said.

He explained that lifestyle factors are among the most common causes. Lack of sleep, prolonged working hours, stress, anxiety, depression, unhealthy eating habits, dehydration, a sedentary lifestyle and excessive screen time can all contribute to the condition.

"In today's demanding work environment, many young people accept these symptoms as normal, when they may actually be a sign of an exhausted brain," he said.

However, Dr Soni cautioned that brain fog should not always be attributed to lifestyle alone. It can also indicate underlying medical conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, uncontrolled diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease, autoimmune disorders, endocrine problems and the side effects of certain medications.

Persistent cognitive symptoms following viral infections, including COVID-19, have also drawn increasing attention in recent years.

From a neurological perspective, brain fog has been observed in people with migraine, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders, brain injuries and, in some cases, the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr Soni stressed that brain fog should not be confused with dementia.

"People with brain fog are usually aware that their thinking and memory have become affected, whereas those with dementia gradually lose the ability to function independently," he explained.

Treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause rather than the symptom itself. Doctors typically evaluate a patient's sleep, mood, medications, existing health conditions and neurological status before deciding whether additional investigations, including brain imaging, are required.

The neurologist also recommended several lifestyle measures to support brain health, including getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and healthy fats, staying well-hydrated, managing stress and keeping the mind active through reading and social interaction.

Maintaining good control of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes is also important for preserving cognitive function, he added.

Dr Soni advised seeking medical attention if brain fog persists or worsens, particularly if it is accompanied by weakness, balance problems, difficulty speaking, vision changes, severe headaches, seizures or behavioural changes.

"Brain fog is not a disease, however, it should not be ignored," he said. "In most cases, it is a sign that something, whether it relates to lifestyle or illness, is affecting your brain and preventing it from functioning properly."

He emphasised that brain health is essential for memory, decision-making, productivity and independent living, and urged people to pay attention to persistent cognitive symptoms as an important step towards protecting long-term brain health.