The problem that creates fear of Alzheimer's

Brain fog is also called 'mental fog' and can occur after an illness, as a side effect of a medication, or as a symptom of an underlying condition.

This problem negatively impacts the ability to think clearly, focus, concentrate, remember and pay attention.

Therefore, it clouds the mind. Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Derya Uludüz shared the following information about brain fog, which makes one wonder, "Am I suffering from Alzheimer's?":

Prof. Dr. Derya Uludüz

The brain works but slows down

Brain fog is a cognitive problem complete with decreased mental clarity, forgetfulness, trouble focusing, and slowed thoughts.

This condition, which cannot be easily detected with classical neurological tests, is not a "disorder"; it is the brain's loss of energetic capacity.

Just like a phone with a low battery… So your brain is working, but slowly.

Pay attention to these complaints

Someone experiencing brain fog actually has a brain on alert. These individuals often say, "The words just don't come to mind." This can be especially distressing in social settings because they have difficulty expressing themselves.

- A strange feeling of dizziness, absent-mindedness, lack of concentration, and persistent fatigue accompany waking up in the morning. It becomes difficult to focus, and you can't do multiple tasks at once.

Memory problems are short-lived

Memory problems are usually short-term. This means you might have just learned something but then forget it a few minutes later. Long-term memory is usually preserved, which is one of the differences that distinguishes it from Alzheimer's disease.

- There are pauses while speaking, and reaction times increase. It takes time to gather a thought. This slowdown reduces a person's productivity and self-confidence.

Some people experience headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms (especially irritable bowel syndrome), difficulty falling asleep, waking up feeling tired, and irritability along with brain fog. Brain fog is actually a neurological and neuropsychological condition.

Coping methods

Ways to deal with brain fog can be listed as follows:

1 - Deep sleep: 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.

2 - Anti-inflammatory diet: Sugar, gluten, and processed foods are the main triggers of brain fog.

3 - Breathing exercise-cold exposure: Cognitive clarity can be increased by stimulating the vagus nerve.

4 - Mental exercise-social activity: Storytelling, language games, group conversations strengthen the connections in the brain.

How to distinguish it from Alzheimer's?

1 - Progression: Brain fog fluctuates. Some days it's more noticeable, while others it can disappear almost completely.

Alzheimer's is an insidious but progressive process. It's not one day good and one day bad; it becomes more pronounced with each passing month. While memory loss may not be noticeable at first, it eventually becomes irreversible.

2 - Effects on daily life: With brain fog, a person can often do their job effectively, but at a slower pace. The need to take notes increases, and attention is easily distracted.

But with Alzheimer's, the situation is different. A person may forget not where they put their keys, but what they do. This adds to the picture of serious functional problems, such as leaving the house without leaving the stove on.

3 - Direction finding and time perception: Although a person with brain fog may occasionally experience absentmindedness, they remain in control of their surroundings. They know where they are and don't confuse their way home.

In the early symptoms of Alzheimer's, a person may become lost in their own neighborhood, may become confused about their route, and may have difficulty distinguishing time units such as days, weeks, or even years.

4 - Recovery: Brain fog is a reversible condition. This condition can be resolved by improving sleep, reducing inflammation, achieving hormonal balance, and even simply by eating right.

Alzheimer's disease is irreversible. Treatments only aim to slow the progression.

FORGETFULNESS Neurological tests reveal

A person experiencing brain fog usually has normal neurological tests, but their complaints are concrete.

Alzheimer's disease shows significant changes in both neuropsychological tests and imaging (especially PET and MRI).

Additionally, certain neuroanatomical structures (such as the hippocampus) lose volume in Alzheimer's disease. In brain fog, there is a functional, not a structural, slowdown.

May cause permanent damage

Brain fog is the brain's cry for help. Alzheimer's is the nervous system's irreversible journey.

However, it should not be forgotten that brain fog can cause permanent damage if not treated early.

Possible causes of forgetfulness

The causes of brain fog can be listed as follows:

Malnutrition

Vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D deficiency or inadequate nutrition negatively affects brain functions.

Chronic stress

Being constantly stressed and anxious keeps the body's defense mechanisms active, which weakens the mind.

Glycogen deficiency

Our brain uses 20% of the body's energy. However, due to factors such as insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism, the brain cannot access sufficient energy. This condition causes fog. This condition is often perceived as the early stages of Alzheimer's, but it can be corrected. This energy deficiency can be addressed through support such as diet and exercise.

sleep disturbance

When sleep quality declines, the brain doesn't get enough rest at night, leading to problems like distraction and forgetfulness throughout the day. If we don't sleep, the brain, like the gut, accumulates toxins. These toxins slow down communication in neural networks, creating the hallmark of brain fog.

Hormonal fluctuations

Estrogen affects the hippocampus, the center of learning and memory. This hormone declines rapidly during menopause and perimenopause.

For this reason, brain fog can increase in women starting in their 40s. This condition can be confused with Alzheimer's. However, this is a temporary phase.

In hypothyroidism, metabolism slows down and mental functions are affected.

Inflammation in the brain

The brain contains immune cells called microglia. Chronic stress, sleep disturbances, food intolerances, or environmental toxins trigger these cells. Constantly active microglia weaken brain networks. The result is neuroinflammation (inflammation of nerve cells) and brain fog.

Medicines

Some medications can cause drowsiness or difficulty concentrating. With long-term use, this can turn into a persistent feeling of fog.

Chronic diseases

Autoimmune diseases, in particular, deplete the body's energy resources and disrupt mental activities.