1. < Autoimmune Diseases

Dealing with brain fog: What helps you?

Posted by jlo70 @jlo70, Jan 25, 2022

I’m 51 years old and new to the psoriatic arthritis auto immune world, having been diagnosed two years ago. My symptoms kicked into high gear the past year, and I’m experiencing plenty of physical issues, but the one that might be the most frustrating is the intense brain fog that’s with me daily. It’s making it difficult for me to do my job well, and it’s starting to really cause me a lot of concern and doubt about my ability to continue with my current job because it’s very mentally demanding.

I’m desperately hoping to hear from some folks who have dealt with brain fog issues and how you managed or eliminated it so that you could get back to normal functioning. I’m feeling a bit scared right now at my general lack of mental acuity. I plan to talk to my rheumatologist and see what she recommends, but I would also love to hear any tips from this group since so many of you have been dealing with this for much longer than I have. Thanks in advance!

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ollie2018 | @ollie2018 | Jan 31 9:09pm

I have brain fog and wonder if I am getting early onset dementia. My dad suffered from dementia for 7- years until his death.
One of my brothers died at 49 of colon cancer and that just pushed dad over the edge. Most horrible disease. A crisis can quicken the emotional effects. Never get over that. I go to prayer. 🙏🏻 it helps me immensely.

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leannestork | @leannestork | Jan 30 4:14pm

I have Lupus and Fibromyalgia plus the other end of Menopause. I have found i can't work like i used to and this has lowered my brain fog mainly working from home. It is still there but I think Stress doesn't help either....

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searcher1 | @searcher1 | Jan 29 10:32am
In reply to @searcher1 "I use wasabi to erase brain fog. It is hot by itself, but I mix a..." + (show)
@searcher1

I use wasabi to erase brain fog. It is hot by itself, but I mix a little with some salad dressing and put it on a sandwich. I find it amazing. I buy it from Edens Foods.

From Medical News Today:
"Now, researchers from Tohoku University in Japan have found the spice wasabi — traditionally served as a condiment in Japanese cuisine — may help improve certain areas of cognitive function in older adults.
The study was recently published in the journal Nutrients.
the research team found participants who took the wasabi supplement containing 6-MSITC showed a significant improvement in both working and episodic memory performances compared to those who took the placebo tablet."
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/wasabi-found-to-boost-brainpower-in-seniors#What-makes-wasabi-healthy

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I also take creatine daily, which highly reduces brain fog and the need for wasabi. Creatine helps with energy, improves the muscles and helps with cognitive health.
Here is a reference from Psychology Today:
Studies suggest creatine may help with fatigue, brain fog, and sleep deprivation in stressful conditions.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-modern-brain/202408/creatine-for-brain-energy#:~:text=Creatine%20aids%20brain%20energy%20by,though%20more%20studies%20are%20needed.

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searcher1 | @searcher1 | Jan 28 8:35pm

I use wasabi to erase brain fog. It is hot by itself, but I mix a little with some salad dressing and put it on a sandwich. I find it amazing. I buy it from Edens Foods.

From Medical News Today:
"Now, researchers from Tohoku University in Japan have found the spice wasabi — traditionally served as a condiment in Japanese cuisine — may help improve certain areas of cognitive function in older adults.
The study was recently published in the journal Nutrients.
the research team found participants who took the wasabi supplement containing 6-MSITC showed a significant improvement in both working and episodic memory performances compared to those who took the placebo tablet."
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/wasabi-found-to-boost-brainpower-in-seniors#What-makes-wasabi-healthy

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1 reply
dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Jan 18 10:15am
In reply to @syltejr "I have recently been diagnosed with mctd and taking hydroxycloroquine for that. I’m still trying to..." + (show)
@syltejr

I have recently been diagnosed with mctd and taking hydroxycloroquine for that. I’m still trying to figure things out and have had breast implants for ~17 years and trying to get consult set up for possible removal / replace with fat graft as I’m 55 and don’t want to get replaced again. How did you know they were causing toxicity ?

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@syltejr (Deedee)

I would have autoimmune type symptoms, joint pain and regular low grade fevers. The symptoms I had prior to explant improved after surgery. I am not sure if all symptoms were tied to the silicone liners but so glad I had them removed and not replaced. It gives me a peace of mind knowing they are out now.

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Deedee | @syltejr | Jan 18 8:54am
In reply to @petuniamom567 "Thanks so much for article recommendation. Interesting. Not that helpful. By this time, now used most..." + (show)
@petuniamom567

Thanks so much for article recommendation. Interesting. Not that helpful. By this time, now used most of those aids. You are absolutely correct about the funding. Don't think researchers would like it, if they had brain fog. They don't seem to be very aggressive or creative. There has to be link between brain function and brain fog and possibly autoimmune disease. Don't understand why physicians aren't paying attention. Also, there isn't much PR about ME/CFS and its side effects. Just fibromyalgia because drugs which cost patient money and can pay insurance. Still think it would be great to to have ME/CFS
brain fog group. Patients might be brighter than most physicians think not just pests. In passing, I haven't really compensated.
I'm a writer and my career was ruined. Developed ME/CFS while getting MFA and could never really hold job after that. Wish
I could be more positive. If you write, try to keep writing. Also, read as much as possible and have as much social contact as
possible. No meds really worked regardless of what articles said. Some large hospitals have ME/CFS centers and they might
offer help. Again, many thanks for article.

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I have mctd and severe brain fog and fatigue rn and it’s def affecting ability to do my job. I’m 55 and not prepared to retire yet … trying to find answers besides meds. MRI was normal last week and every other test was normal so points to the mctd now. Also going to get consult to remove the breast implants. Other than that or hormones , I think we’ve ruled every thing else out

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Deedee | @syltejr | Jan 18 8:25am
In reply to @dlydailyhope "I empathize with the fear of brain fog and trying to maintain a demanding job, taking..." + (show)
@dlydailyhope

I empathize with the fear of brain fog and trying to maintain a demanding job, taking care of home and family and self. For me, I am a single parent of a teen, 54, and my brain fog got really bad when I was undiagnosed with iron deficiency, sleep apnea, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, small fiber neuropathy, cervical spondylitic myelopathy, breast implant illness, etc. Once I was diagnosed for everything and treated (took over 6 years to get diagnosis), my brain fog has improved. I am sleeping better (use cpap), no longer iron deficient (had d and c and IUD put in to reduce severe menstrual cycles), take thyroid medication (recently increased which is helping with symptoms of weakness and fatigue), had cervical spine surgery which has decompressed my spinal cord (able to control arms and legs and bladder better and much fewer daily headaches), had implants removed which has relieved some brain fog and concentration issues (due to toxins), etc. You really need to get answers to the causes of your symptoms and not give up until you find doctors who listen and help to diagnose the cause. I am perimenopause and have dealt with chronic pain and mood swings/depression and recently put on Prozac which has also helped to regulate emotions (there were times I just did not want to live anymore and exhausted from all of the disappointments and time/money wasted trying to get diagnosed. Quality of life really takes a beating and you need to take care of yourself to be able to manage life and make good decisions. Best of luck to you on your heath care journey!

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I have recently been diagnosed with mctd and taking hydroxycloroquine for that. I’m still trying to figure things out and have had breast implants for ~17 years and trying to get consult set up for possible removal / replace with fat graft as I’m 55 and don’t want to get replaced again. How did you know they were causing toxicity ?

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1 reply
annelia | @annelia | Jan 13 7:50am

There are some good suggestions here ... the problem is it takes time to try each one out.
I struggle with brain fog every day and it can make you frustrated which doesn't help either.
Two simple things to add to your morning routine .. # vitamin D ... especially in winter ... I take 5,000 units
# omega 3, which was suggested here ... and yes some form of Adderall .. might just move the dial for you but the first 2 won't hurt you and probably will help. I wish you all the best of luck !

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kayabbott | @kayabbott | Jan 13 7:50am

It depends partly on the reason(s) for the brain fog. I didn't get it from covid/LC in 2023; instead that hit my cardiovascular system. My brain fog lasts a few days after getting glutened. I have celiac and that is one of the symptoms from cross contamination with wheat/rye/barley. Consider a FODMAP or elimination diet to see if any foods worsen/cause your brain fog. When it hits me, I try to exercise, take rest breaks, and read or do other things that work my brain (tiring, but good for brain fog). My medicine is avoiding gluten.

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debbie75 | @debbie75 | Jan 12 8:22pm

My PCP just prescribed Guanfacine ER 1mg and will increase to 2mg if I can tolerate the drug. It too is an ADHD drug but in recent small studies at Yale and other reputable sources have shown it's benefit for brain fog as a result of Long Covid. I should pick it up early this week. I'll try and remember to keep you posted on how it goes, if it works, etc. Best of luck to everyone!!

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