Brain Fog
- Dee McCulloch
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
There can be lots of causes for brain fog, one thing it's frustrating, can impact functionality, daily living and quality of life. Some causes can be temporary such as not sleeping well, other times there can be a medical cause. If brain fog is persistent, it can adversely affect behaviour and/or mental health, but with therapy, behavioural supports, use of assistive technology and lifestyle adjustments, this can improve.
What you can do
Seek medical advice
Break down tasks
Use assistive technology
Ask Your NDIS Experts today about supports that can assist you with brain fog including:
Functionality and behavioural assessments with recommendations for therapy, assistive technology
Behavioural supports
Psychosocial recovery coaching
Counselling
Parent / carer training in strategies
Read below for more on brain fog.
The concept of brain fog refers to a subjective feeling of mental cloudiness, confusion, or difficulty in thinking clearly. It is often described as a state where individuals may experience difficulty concentrating, memory or behavioural problems, slowed thinking, and reduced mental clarity. People with brain fog may find it challenging to process information, maintain focus, or recall details.
Brain fog is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a symptom that can occur due to various factors. It can be associated with several underlying causes, such as:
Chronic conditions: Individuals with chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or autoimmune disorders, may frequently experience brain fog as a symptom of their condition.
Mental health conditions: Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress can contribute to cognitive difficulties, including brain fog.
Sleep disturbances: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep can lead to cognitive impairments and contribute to feelings of mental fog.
Medications: Certain medications, such as sedatives, antihistamines, or medications for high blood pressure, can have side effects that include cognitive difficulties and brain fog.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders can affect cognitive functioning and contribute to brain fog.
Brain Injury: Any type of brain injury can cause brain fog from a slight concussion to a permanent traumatic brain injury. The effects can be temporary or permanent.
WHAT CAN BE DONE
Healthy lifestyle: Prioritising sleep, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and managing stress levels can support overall cognitive function.
Cognitive techniques: There are a range of cognitive therapy techniques that can assist in acceptance and understanding, working towards emotional and behavioural regulation. Therapists and behaviour practitioners can assist family members and carers to understand what is going on, changes to the environment such as breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, use of visual supports, mindfulness and employing care strategies can help compensate for cognitive difficulties.
Assistive technology: Using memory aids, can help with daily living, safety, orientation, increase quality of life and independence.
Medication review: Consulting with a healthcare provider to review medications and explore potential alternatives if cognitive side effects are experienced.
Seeking support: Connecting with healthcare professionals, such as doctors or therapists, can provide guidance and support in managing brain fog symptoms. Informal supports can assist greatly by being understanding and patient, finding out more about what is causing the brain fog, making adjustments to scheduling, lowering expectations and changes to the persons environment.
It's important to note that while brain fog can be distressing, it is often a transient symptom and can improve with appropriate management of underlying factors, even with permanent conditions small changes can make a big difference. Consulting with professionals is advisable for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised guidance in addressing brain fog.
How Your NDIS Experts Can Help
Our staff can assist you with supports ask Your NDIS Experts today. We operate Australia-wide, 7-days a week, as we know disability doesn't just happen during office hours. We offer tele-health services, fly or drive in for intensive support or groups of clients and limited face-to-face supports in the Peel Region Western Australia.
We have staff available now in the following areas:
Behavioural supports
Individualised programs
Therapy, assessments and recommendations
Psychosocial recovery coaching
Case management, for when it's complicated
Skill development and training, decision-making and budgeting
Parent / carer training
General and employment related counselling
Website ┃ www.adheadsupports.com.au
Mobile┃+61438000077 - Text is best
