Why does the brain “freeze”? The hidden causes of forgetfulness

Sometimes people struggle to concentrate even when listening, quickly forget information they have read, or find it difficult to remember what they intended to do while carrying out everyday tasks. Being unable to recall a word they were thinking of just minutes earlier, losing their train of thought and experiencing persistent forgetfulness are also among these symptoms. This condition, known as “brain fog”, has attracted increasing attention in recent years.

What is brain fog?

Brain fog is not a disease in itself. The term describes temporary or long-term difficulties with thinking, concentration, information processing and memory.

People experiencing this condition may feel as though their thoughts are confused, their minds are exhausted and their thinking has slowed down. Even tasks they previously found easy may seem challenging.

The main symptoms of brain fog include difficulty maintaining attention on a task, frequent forgetfulness, trouble expressing thoughts, difficulty recalling words, problems making decisions and mental fatigue.

What causes brain fog?

Several factors can contribute to this condition. One of the most common causes is lack of sleep. When people do not get enough sleep, the brain has greater difficulty processing and storing information and maintaining attention. Going to bed late, waking up frequently during the night and having an irregular sleep schedule can particularly affect mental performance.

Another important factor is chronic stress and emotional strain. Persistent anxiety, overthinking and psychological exhaustion can make it difficult to focus on everyday tasks. In such cases, people may hear information but struggle to fully absorb it.

Nutrition also has a direct impact on brain function. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12 and other essential nutrients, as well as inadequate and unbalanced diets, can be accompanied by fatigue, weakness and concentration problems. In particular, iron-deficiency anaemia can reduce the amount of oxygen delivered to body tissues, causing people to feel tired.

In addition, thyroid disorders, fluctuations in blood sugar levels, certain chronic illnesses and hormonal changes may also be associated with brain fog.

Memory and concentration problems are also among the long-term symptoms experienced by some people after COVID-19 infection. This is considered one of the possible symptoms of Long COVID.

Side effects of certain medications can also impair mental performance. Therefore, if concentration and memory problems develop after starting a medication, it is important to inform a doctor.

Can phones and information overload affect concentration?

In the modern world, constant exposure to phones, social media and various sources of information throughout the day can make it more difficult to manage attention.

Checking notifications frequently while working, performing several tasks simultaneously and continuously consuming information can divide attention. This can make it harder for people to process information deeply.

However, it would be inaccurate to consider phone use the sole cause of brain fog. Sleep disorders, stress and underlying medical conditions may also contribute to these problems.

How can brain fog be reduced?

First and foremost, it is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, getting enough sleep and reducing phone use before bedtime can help relieve mental fatigue.

Eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water and increasing physical activity throughout the day are also important. Walking and regular exercise have a positive effect on overall health.

In addition, planning daily tasks, writing down important information and focusing on one activity at a time rather than multitasking can be helpful. Reading books, learning new skills and engaging in activities that require mental effort can also help keep cognitive abilities active.

When should you see a doctor?

If concentration difficulties and memory problems persist for a long time, become progressively worse or interfere with work, education and daily life, it is important to consult a doctor.

Depending on the symptoms and other complaints, a specialist may recommend blood tests, including assessments for iron deficiency, vitamin B12 levels, blood sugar and thyroid function. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Important: Sudden confusion, speech difficulties, drooping on one side of the face, sudden weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or changes in vision should not be dismissed as ordinary brain fog. These may be signs of a stroke and require immediate emergency medical assistance.

Although brain fog is not always a sign of a serious illness, it is not advisable to attribute persistent forgetfulness and concentration problems solely to fatigue. The key is to identify the underlying cause of these symptoms and take appropriate action in time.

Kubra Musayeva