What is 'brain fog'? Experts warn: Take the symptoms seriously, the cause may be deep!

The concept of "brain fog," which has been frequently mentioned in recent years, especially on social media, is not yet a scientifically or medically defined disease. However, according to experts, this condition can be an important symptom that manifests itself as a feeling of reduced mental performance.

12punto 21 June 2025

Prof. Dr. Barış Metin, a Neurology Specialist at Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital, stated that brain fog mostly emerges when a person feels a decline in their own mental capacity and that there may be various psychological or neurological reasons behind this situation.

BRAIN FOG IS NOT A DISEASE, BUT A STATE OF PERCEPTION

Emphasizing that brain fog is not a medical disease, Prof. Dr. Metin said, "This condition is mostly defined by people having difficulty concentrating, experiencing memory problems, or feeling mentally slowed down. We are consulted with complaints such as not being able to think clearly, feeling as if one has not fully woken up from sleep, or being less productive than in the past."

Pointing out that in some cases these complaints may also stem from the person's inability to meet their own high performance expectations, Metin indicated that such symptoms could also underlie diseases like depression, anxiety disorders, or early-stage dementia.

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY TRIGGER BRAIN FOG

Stating that one of the main factors causing brain fog is depression and anxiety, Prof. Dr. Metin said, "In neuroimaging studies, we see that these disorders affect the frontal lobes, which are the decision-making and memory centers of the brain. This can lead to memory and attention problems, creating low mental performance in the individual. Memory impairment is also generally perceived as brain fog," he said.

FREQUENT DREAMING MAY INDICATE POOR SLEEP QUALITY

Speaking about the relationship between frequent dreaming and brain fog, Metin said that this situation could actually be a sign of a disrupted sleep pattern. "We dream every night, but remembering the dream indicates that sleep is interrupted. Conditions such as sleep apnea and depression reduce sleep quality, and this can increase brain fog," he said.

BRAIN FOG IS NOT A VISION DISORDER

Prof. Dr. Metin also underlined that the term brain fog is not related to vision. "Brain fog is a cognitive condition, not a visual one. It should not be perceived as blurred vision," he said.

THE UNDERLYING CAUSE MUST BE DETERMINED FOR TREATMENT

Emphasizing that the most important step in resolving brain fog complaints is to correctly diagnose the underlying cause, the specialist physician said, "When patients consult with this complaint, we mostly encounter diagnoses such as depression, anxiety disorder, sleep problems, or early-stage dementia. Once the underlying problem is identified, a personalized treatment plan should be created," he said.

LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS TO PREVENT BRAIN FOG

Prof. Dr. Barış Metin offered the following recommendations to prevent brain fog or reduce its effects:

Develop a regular sleep habit and get sleep disorders treated.
Check for vitamin deficiencies and take supplements if necessary.
Maintain your physical health by exercising regularly.
Manage stress and seek professional support in cases of intense anxiety.
Monitor your mental performance and consult a physician for persistent complaints.