Brain Fog & Seniors: Symptoms & Treatment

As seniors age, it is normal to experience some decrease in mental sharpness, memory loss, and the ability to concentrate. One explanation for these diminished skills could be brain fog. Brain fog is not an actual medical diagnosis, but usually a result of other underlying issues.

In this blog, we will look at brain fog, what causes it, how its symptoms can be treated, as well as the critical distinction between this condition and Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

What Causes Brain Fog in Seniors?

Brain fog can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Medication

Certain medications used to treat conditions, such as high blood pressure, anxiety, or depression can produce a sense of brain fog in some people.

Lack of Sleep

Fatigue is one of the most common reasons seniors experience brain fog. A lack of sleep can cause a variety of health problems, including decreased cognitive acuity.

Brain Fog Solutions for Seniors

A senior who is experiencing brain fog should work closely with their doctor to see what can be done to improve their symptoms. A review of medications, participation in a sleep study, consultation with a dietitian, and looking for strategies to better manage stress are all ways that brain fog can be minimized, and in some cases, eliminated for older people.

The Important Distinction Between Brain Fog & Dementia

A general sense of mental cloudiness (brain fog) is quite different than a person who is becoming cognitively impaired due to Alzheimer’s disease, or other forms of dementia.