Recent Brain Fog Surge in India: Causes and Solutions

Across India, the phenomenon of “brain fog” – a haze that clouds thinking, memory, and mental clarity – is becoming increasingly common. According to health experts, a mix of lifestyle challenges, post-pandemic effects, and environmental factors are fueling this cognitive slump.

Key Causes

Chronic stress: Persistent stress overloads the brain’s coping mechanisms, leading to mental exhaustion. As doctors explain, when your brain runs out of mental energy, it struggles to focus or process thoughts clearly.

Poor Sleep: With modern schedules and excessive screen time, many are failing to achieve the recommended 7–9 hours of restorative sleep. This deficit leaves the brain foggy and unfocused.

Adding to this, a large-scale 10-year study recently published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease has found that individuals with a natural tendency to stay up late – commonly referred to as "night owls" – may be at greater risk of cognitive decline if they are forced into early-morning routines. The study followed nearly 24,000 adults and found that this mismatch between biological rhythm and daily schedule, termed “social jet lag,” could impair brain function over time. The researchers identified poor sleep quality and smoking as key factors explaining this link. The findings suggest that long-term disruption of natural circadian rhythms may gradually wear down mental clarity.

Post-COVID effects: A significant number of people recovering from COVID‑19 – around 25–30% – continue to report lingering cognitive issues such as forgetfulness, confusion, and mental fatigue, symptoms now grouped under what is widely known as long COVID.

In a recent clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open, researchers tested the use of low-dose lithium aspartate to treat these long COVID-related symptoms. The dose used in the study (10–15 mg/day) was based on anecdotal reports but ultimately found to be ineffective in reducing fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. However, a small dose-finding arm of the study, which included only five participants, suggested that higher doses of lithium, resulting in serum concentrations between 0.18–0.49 mEq/L, might offer some symptom relief. Due to the small sample size and lack of randomization, the authors emphasized the need for larger, controlled trials to better assess lithium’s potential role in treating brain fog associated with post-COVID conditions.

Nutritional deficiencies: Diets low in essential nutrients – especially vitamins B12, D, omega‑3 fatty acids, iron, and magnesium – are common in India and can directly impair cognitive performance.

Lifestyle and environmental factors: Sedentary habits, extended screen exposure, hormonal changes, and environmental stressors further erode mental clarity.

When Does It Become Serious

While brain fog often has benign roots, it can also signal deeper health conditions. Experts warn that underlying issues like sleep disorders (insomnia, sleep apnea), chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, anemia, neurological conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis or dementia), and certain medications may be involved. Alcohol and substance use have also been flagged as possible contributors.

Diagnosis Steps

There isn’t a single test for brain fog. Physicians typically:

1. Review medical history, lifestyle, and mental health

2. Conduct physical exams

3. Order blood tests to screen for thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, infections, and hormone imbalances

Remedies and Precautions

Medical professionals recommend tackling brain fog through lifestyle modifications and, if needed, treatment interventions:

• Brain-boosting nutrition: Eat antioxidant-rich foods, healthy fats like omega‑3s, and ensure adequate intake of B12, D, iron, magnesium

• Regular physical activity: Exercise enhances blood flow to the brain, reduces stress, and sharpens concentration

• Mindfulness practices: Incorporate yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to calm the mind and reset focus

While brain fog is on the rise—driven largely by stress, sleep deprivation, dietary gaps, and post-COVID aftereffects—it’s usually reversible with simple lifestyle adjustments. Yet, when symptoms linger or worsen, medical evaluation is essential to rule out serious health issues. Ongoing research—from studies on circadian rhythms to trials exploring treatments like lithium—shows that science is taking the brain fog epidemic seriously, even if conclusive remedies are still evolving.

References:

1. Guttuso T, Zhu J, Wilding GE. Lithium Aspartate for Long COVID Fatigue and Cognitive Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open, 2024, DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.36874, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2824334

2. Wenzler, Ana N., A.C. Liefbroer, R.C.O. Voshaar, N. Smidt, et al. “Chronotype as a Potential Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline: The Mediating Role of Sleep Quality and Health Behaviours in a 10‑Year Follow‑Up Study.” The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, published April 11, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjpad.2025.100168 (accessed June 13, 2025).

(Input from Various Sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Shreya Vohra/MSM)