Cog Fog probably started sneaking up on you years before your MS diagnosis. Multiple Sclerosis alone is challenging, but Multiple Sclerosis with Brain Fog involves a totally different set of problems.
“Brain Fog” is a term generally used to describe the confusion, disorientation, general grogginess, and other issues resulting from cognitive dysfunction which commonly occurs with MS.
What can Cog Fog affect?
- ability to use and understand language
- problem solving
- recognition of people and places
- ability to learn and remember new things
- ability to plan and execute plans
- ability to judge distances
Brain Fog does NOT only coincide with MS. It can be caused by a number of diseases, imbalances, injuries, environmental factors, medications, and age. When caused by MS, it is believed to result from the disruption of neural pathways caused by demyelination. A possibly unexpected result of this condition is the depression that can set in with the disappointment and discouragement as ability and independence decline.
In Multiple Sclerosis, fatigue is the primary cause of worsened cognitive dysfunction.
When I was a teenager, I remember putting salt and pepper in my soup and realizing that it tasted wrong. So wrong. Unbearably sweet. Slowly I realized that I had opened several packets of sweetener and poured them into my vegetable beef soup instead of shaking salt in. This is definitely the first time I can identify having experienced something quite wrong with my memory and concentration. Fast forward 16 years to my diagnosis and I can start to see other incidents. I can see where my ability to learn swiftly had declined. I recognize that my cognitive ability declines sharply when I’m stressed or exposed to heat.
Before starting Gilenya I had starting having issues with getting lost on familiar roads. There was a feeling that I knew where I was, but I couldn’t actually recognize my surroundings or make sense of them in context. My 1.7 mile commute between work and home involved more muscle memory of where to turn than real memory of knowing every inch of the short route. In a worst case scenario, I knew I could always pull out the GPS and push the HOME button for a voice to guide me to a place I belonged. I was hesitant to share this symptom with anyone. When I did share this, it was usually met with an irritable and impatient response: “HOW can you not remember how to get to X? You just go past landmark X and turn RIGHT!” Why did I expect anyone to understand a symptom like this?
This symptom seemed to improve but has recently begun to return. Worse than that, my memory has become significantly impaired at times. What’s my password? Where are my keys? Which key opens this door? Where is my iPhone? Where is the remote? Should I be at work today? I have apparently tried to repeat conversations with my husband ad nauseum. That’s a great way to drive someone crazy and certain to make me second guess everything I want to say.
Trying to piece it together, I realize that my Cog Fog started getting worse as I began a new prescription required for my recent surgery. With my neurologist’s blessing I have ceased the medication and am waiting to see if I return to my version of normal, even if that isn’t as good as a healthy normal. On Tuesday I begin taking college courses in addition to my normal work schedule, and I worry that I might not have what it takes anymore to participate in academia.
How can I treat Brain Fog?
- a healthy diet full of nutrients
- regular exercise
- research your medications
- get enough rest
- play brain teaser games
- try to identify a trigger that precedes exacerbated cognitive dysfunction
- talk to your doctor about possible medical treatments
Some folks swear by meditation. Others swear by fish oil or other supplements to help treat this symptom. I have seen elaborate recipes involving vinegar and molasses that individuals swear clear up their thoughts. Don’t place your bets on anything with no scientific evidence, but if you find something that works for you – do it. Life is short – don’t miss any of it.
Coping with Cog Fog
- make lists
- leave notes for yourself
- take notes of what others say
- develop routines designed to prevent forgetting important things
- develop a plan in case of emergency so that you are prepared
- explain the condition to others so that they understand your actions
How do you deal with Brain Fog?