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Dealing with brain fog: What helps you?
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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@jlo70 - I just want to correct myself- the idea of using a CNS stimulant is my own thinking! I compare to other illnesses where excessive sleepiness is a problem- such as narcolepsy- and these medications have been used.
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1 Reaction@astaingegerdm thank you for responding, and I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with so much incredibly challenge illness in your life. I do find that coffee helps clear my head, but I also know that it’s dehydrating and I think I read that it can cause inflammation to worsen. Not sure about the truth of that, so I need to look for more info. I’ve not heard of Ritalin being prescribed for issues like brain fog, but it’s an interesting notion. I’ll be interested to see if that comes up in discussions with my doctors.
Thanks again, and take care of yourself!
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2 Reactions@jlo70 - I started out with chemo brain 30 years ago. Eventually, I leveled out and could feel confident managing my high pressure job.
Once I developed an autoimmune illness, brain fog really set in - waxing and waning with disease activity.
I’m retired now and I don’t have to feel focused all the time- except when playing tennis! I find it necessary to take a caffeine pill or a cup of strong coffee before getting on the court.
I also do a lot of crossword puzzles.
I have a feeling that CNS stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall would help too- maybe if I was still working I would have looked into trying it.
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8 ReactionsThank you for your response, @marye2. I plan to talk to my OBGYN, as well as my PCP, regarding potential vitamin deficiencies, but also the potential for menopausal affects, in combination with inflammation, to be the cause of the brain fog. I’ve been wondering if lower levels of estrogen might be a contributing factor. The issues and solution may be multi-fold, in the end.
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3 ReactionsI have been on zoloft (anti depressant) for the years since MCTD diagnosis in 1996. Really helps me focus. Also, go to a non processed diet, avoid sugar and make sure you stay hydrated. I also take sublingual B-12 daily. You might also inquire about D3. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/ss/slideshow-brain-foods-that-help-you-concentrate
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4 ReactionsHi Becky, thanks so much for the reply, and I’ll check out the link you provided. I haven’t yet talked to my doctor about the brain fog, but I do plan to. I suppose the medication could contribute, but I’ve been experiencing it for a year or so, and I’ve only been on a medication since early this past December. I really feel this is attributable to the auto immune disease itself. I do appreciate you seeing if any other members might have some input on this topic.
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1 ReactionGood morning @jlo70 Brain fog can be so difficult to deal with and it should slowly clear up. That’s not soon enough, i know. I had brain fog for about a year after i was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Not fun. I included a discussion about brain fog. It says cancer-related, but the symptoms, frustrations, and coping mechanisms are all the same.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cancer-related-brain-fog/
I’ll see if there are some members who could join the conversation. @gingerw and @lisman1408
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-brain-body-connection/202201/understanding-chronic-brain-fog
Some of your medications might also be contributing to your brain fog. Have you talked with your doctor about this>
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