63 Let’s talk about brain frog—oops, I mean fog. I used to think I was just forgetful, but it turns out it’s not that simple. It’s the MS brain doing its thing. First, I thought I’d be a bit clever and say that I’ve been staring at my screen for too long, watching the cursor blink in time with a song by Chappell Roan, and of course, blame my brain fog for affecting my ability to write this post. But the fact is, I really want to talk about this despite it being late and me wanting to check out relationship threads on Reddit. BECAUSE if there’s one thing MS has done to me that hurts the most, it’s the brain fog, and I want to talk about it with you. And if you’re reading this, you probably know what I’m talking about… that frustrating and helpless feeling that your brain is made of warm mush and even the simplest task feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube in the dark with one hand. So let’s talk about this annoying symptom that so many of us with MS deal with daily. What is Brain Fog, Really? For me personally, brain fog feels like I mentioned before: my brain is mush and thoughts are trying to float through it. Words I know and can remember don’t make it to my tongue, and simple choices like picking an ice cream flavor in the freezer section become completely impossible. I also get quite angry! I feel completely stupid and ashamed, which I shouldn’t feel. And don’t even get me started on trying to follow a conversation when there’s background noise. It’s not just being tired or distracted. It’s a deep, mental fatigue that can make you question your own capabilities. And it’s exhausting. Photo: X17Online.com The Science Behind the Fog So why does this happen to us? In simple terms, MS messes with our brain’s wiring. The myelin, a protective sheath covering nerve fibers, gets damaged, disrupting how our neurons communicate. This damage, known as demyelination, forces our brains to work overtime just to perform basic functions. No wonder we’re tired. MS damages nerve cells and myelin, resulting in cognitive issues like brain fog. This damage is often visible on MRI scans, which show the extent of demyelination and its correlation with cognitive symptoms. Cognitive symptoms refer to difficulties with mental processes such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. The disruption in nerve signal transmission due to demyelination can lead to confusion, memory loss, and slowed thinking, all contributing to what we commonly refer to as brain fog (Verywell Health, Mayo Clinic, MyMSTeam). Living with the Fog Some days, brain fog is a minor inconvenience. Other days, it feels all-consuming. I’ve had moments where I’ve forgotten my own phone number, put the milk in the cupboard, or completely blanked on a friend’s name mid-conversation. It’s embarrassing, it’s frustrating, and it can be really isolating. So many folks with MS have shared their battles with brain fog. Take Debi, for instance. She describes it as though thinking has become a second job. Imagine having to put in a ton of effort just to gather your thoughts and understand what’s happening around you. She experiences a lack of concentration, slow comprehension, and memory loss. Often, her mind just blanks out mid-sentence during conversations. This cognitive fog seeps into every part of her life, from social interactions to routine tasks. Then there’s Chiara, who paints a vivid picture of brain fog as a literal mist in her mind. She explains how recalling words can take several minutes, making even simple conversations and following instructions tough. She often forgets why she walked into a room or struggles to keep up with her yoga instructor’s directions. This fog extends to daily activities like driving, where she sometimes misses turn-offs or forgets appointments. What Helps (At Least for Me) Look, I’m not going to pretend I’ve got it all figured out. Some days are better than others. But here are a few things that have made a difference for me: ✳ Acceptance (as much as it sucks): Fighting against brain fog often just makes it worse. I try to acknowledge it: “Okay, today’s a foggy day. It is what it is.” ✳ I live by my calendar and to-do lists: It’s not foolproof, but it helps. As soon as something comes up, I make a note in my app or add that important email as a task right away. Never mind that my notes app probably has 2,342 notes. Maybe one day I’ll even get around to organizing them… ✳ Rest (when I can): Sometimes, pushing through makes things worse. If I can, I’ll take a 20-minute nap or just close my eyes for a bit. ✳ Cutting myself some slack: This is a hard one, but I’m learning. Bad days happen. It doesn’t mean I’m failing. ✳ Being open about it: Telling my close friends and family about brain fog has helped. They’re more understanding now when I’m having an off day. Managing Brain Fog in School and Work Dealing with brain fog while juggling school or work is tough, no doubt about it, but there are strategies and accommodations that can make a world of difference. If brain fog significantly impairs a person’s ability to perform daily activities or work, it may be classified as a disability under various legal and medical frameworks. In fact, did you know that many countries have laws in place to protect individuals with disabilities, making sure they get the support they need? A Personal Note On my worst days, brain fog makes me feel like I’m losing myself. It’s scary, and it’s okay to admit that. But I try to remember – this fog lifts. It always does. We’re still here, still ourselves, even when our brains decide to take an unscheduled vacation. So, how do you cope with brain fog? What works for you? What doesn’t? Take care, all. And if you forget where you put your keys today, know that you’re in good company!
63 Let’s talk about brain frog—oops, I mean fog. I used to think I was just forgetful, but it turns out it’s not that simple. It’s the MS brain doing its thing. First, I thought I’d be a bit clever and say that I’ve been staring at my screen for too long, watching the cursor blink in time with a song by Chappell Roan, and of course, blame my brain fog for affecting my ability to write this post. But the fact is, I really want to talk about this despite it being late and me wanting to check out relationship threads on Reddit. BECAUSE if there’s one thing MS has done to me that hurts the most, it’s the brain fog, and I want to talk about it with you. And if you’re reading this, you probably know what I’m talking about… that frustrating and helpless feeling that your brain is made of warm mush and even the simplest task feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube in the dark with one hand. So let’s talk about this annoying symptom that so many of us with MS deal with daily. What is Brain Fog, Really? For me personally, brain fog feels like I mentioned before: my brain is mush and thoughts are trying to float through it. Words I know and can remember don’t make it to my tongue, and simple choices like picking an ice cream flavor in the freezer section become completely impossible. I also get quite angry! I feel completely stupid and ashamed, which I shouldn’t feel. And don’t even get me started on trying to follow a conversation when there’s background noise. It’s not just being tired or distracted. It’s a deep, mental fatigue that can make you question your own capabilities. And it’s exhausting. Photo: X17Online.com The Science Behind the Fog So why does this happen to us? In simple terms, MS messes with our brain’s wiring. The myelin, a protective sheath covering nerve fibers, gets damaged, disrupting how our neurons communicate. This damage, known as demyelination, forces our brains to work overtime just to perform basic functions. No wonder we’re tired. MS damages nerve cells and myelin, resulting in cognitive issues like brain fog. This damage is often visible on MRI scans, which show the extent of demyelination and its correlation with cognitive symptoms. Cognitive symptoms refer to difficulties with mental processes such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. The disruption in nerve signal transmission due to demyelination can lead to confusion, memory loss, and slowed thinking, all contributing to what we commonly refer to as brain fog (Verywell Health, Mayo Clinic, MyMSTeam). Living with the Fog Some days, brain fog is a minor inconvenience. Other days, it feels all-consuming. I’ve had moments where I’ve forgotten my own phone number, put the milk in the cupboard, or completely blanked on a friend’s name mid-conversation. It’s embarrassing, it’s frustrating, and it can be really isolating. So many folks with MS have shared their battles with brain fog. Take Debi, for instance. She describes it as though thinking has become a second job. Imagine having to put in a ton of effort just to gather your thoughts and understand what’s happening around you. She experiences a lack of concentration, slow comprehension, and memory loss. Often, her mind just blanks out mid-sentence during conversations. This cognitive fog seeps into every part of her life, from social interactions to routine tasks. Then there’s Chiara, who paints a vivid picture of brain fog as a literal mist in her mind. She explains how recalling words can take several minutes, making even simple conversations and following instructions tough. She often forgets why she walked into a room or struggles to keep up with her yoga instructor’s directions. This fog extends to daily activities like driving, where she sometimes misses turn-offs or forgets appointments. What Helps (At Least for Me) Look, I’m not going to pretend I’ve got it all figured out. Some days are better than others. But here are a few things that have made a difference for me: ✳ Acceptance (as much as it sucks): Fighting against brain fog often just makes it worse. I try to acknowledge it: “Okay, today’s a foggy day. It is what it is.” ✳ I live by my calendar and to-do lists: It’s not foolproof, but it helps. As soon as something comes up, I make a note in my app or add that important email as a task right away. Never mind that my notes app probably has 2,342 notes. Maybe one day I’ll even get around to organizing them… ✳ Rest (when I can): Sometimes, pushing through makes things worse. If I can, I’ll take a 20-minute nap or just close my eyes for a bit. ✳ Cutting myself some slack: This is a hard one, but I’m learning. Bad days happen. It doesn’t mean I’m failing. ✳ Being open about it: Telling my close friends and family about brain fog has helped. They’re more understanding now when I’m having an off day. Managing Brain Fog in School and Work Dealing with brain fog while juggling school or work is tough, no doubt about it, but there are strategies and accommodations that can make a world of difference. If brain fog significantly impairs a person’s ability to perform daily activities or work, it may be classified as a disability under various legal and medical frameworks. In fact, did you know that many countries have laws in place to protect individuals with disabilities, making sure they get the support they need? A Personal Note On my worst days, brain fog makes me feel like I’m losing myself. It’s scary, and it’s okay to admit that. But I try to remember – this fog lifts. It always does. We’re still here, still ourselves, even when our brains decide to take an unscheduled vacation. So, how do you cope with brain fog? What works for you? What doesn’t? Take care, all. And if you forget where you put your keys today, know that you’re in good company!
63 Let’s talk about brain frog—oops, I mean fog. I used to think I was just forgetful, but it turns out it’s not that simple. It’s the MS brain doing its thing. First, I thought I’d be a bit clever and say that I’ve been staring at my screen for too long, watching the cursor blink in time with a song by Chappell Roan, and of course, blame my brain fog for affecting my ability to write this post. But the fact is, I really want to talk about this despite it being late and me wanting to check out relationship threads on Reddit. BECAUSE if there’s one thing MS has done to me that hurts the most, it’s the brain fog, and I want to talk about it with you. And if you’re reading this, you probably know what I’m talking about… that frustrating and helpless feeling that your brain is made of warm mush and even the simplest task feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube in the dark with one hand. So let’s talk about this annoying symptom that so many of us with MS deal with daily. What is Brain Fog, Really? For me personally, brain fog feels like I mentioned before: my brain is mush and thoughts are trying to float through it. Words I know and can remember don’t make it to my tongue, and simple choices like picking an ice cream flavor in the freezer section become completely impossible. I also get quite angry! I feel completely stupid and ashamed, which I shouldn’t feel. And don’t even get me started on trying to follow a conversation when there’s background noise. It’s not just being tired or distracted. It’s a deep, mental fatigue that can make you question your own capabilities. And it’s exhausting. Photo: X17Online.com The Science Behind the Fog So why does this happen to us? In simple terms, MS messes with our brain’s wiring. The myelin, a protective sheath covering nerve fibers, gets damaged, disrupting how our neurons communicate. This damage, known as demyelination, forces our brains to work overtime just to perform basic functions. No wonder we’re tired. MS damages nerve cells and myelin, resulting in cognitive issues like brain fog. This damage is often visible on MRI scans, which show the extent of demyelination and its correlation with cognitive symptoms. Cognitive symptoms refer to difficulties with mental processes such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. The disruption in nerve signal transmission due to demyelination can lead to confusion, memory loss, and slowed thinking, all contributing to what we commonly refer to as brain fog (Verywell Health, Mayo Clinic, MyMSTeam). Living with the Fog Some days, brain fog is a minor inconvenience. Other days, it feels all-consuming. I’ve had moments where I’ve forgotten my own phone number, put the milk in the cupboard, or completely blanked on a friend’s name mid-conversation. It’s embarrassing, it’s frustrating, and it can be really isolating. So many folks with MS have shared their battles with brain fog. Take Debi, for instance. She describes it as though thinking has become a second job. Imagine having to put in a ton of effort just to gather your thoughts and understand what’s happening around you. She experiences a lack of concentration, slow comprehension, and memory loss. Often, her mind just blanks out mid-sentence during conversations. This cognitive fog seeps into every part of her life, from social interactions to routine tasks. Then there’s Chiara, who paints a vivid picture of brain fog as a literal mist in her mind. She explains how recalling words can take several minutes, making even simple conversations and following instructions tough. She often forgets why she walked into a room or struggles to keep up with her yoga instructor’s directions. This fog extends to daily activities like driving, where she sometimes misses turn-offs or forgets appointments. What Helps (At Least for Me) Look, I’m not going to pretend I’ve got it all figured out. Some days are better than others. But here are a few things that have made a difference for me: ✳ Acceptance (as much as it sucks): Fighting against brain fog often just makes it worse. I try to acknowledge it: “Okay, today’s a foggy day. It is what it is.” ✳ I live by my calendar and to-do lists: It’s not foolproof, but it helps. As soon as something comes up, I make a note in my app or add that important email as a task right away. Never mind that my notes app probably has 2,342 notes. Maybe one day I’ll even get around to organizing them… ✳ Rest (when I can): Sometimes, pushing through makes things worse. If I can, I’ll take a 20-minute nap or just close my eyes for a bit. ✳ Cutting myself some slack: This is a hard one, but I’m learning. Bad days happen. It doesn’t mean I’m failing. ✳ Being open about it: Telling my close friends and family about brain fog has helped. They’re more understanding now when I’m having an off day. Managing Brain Fog in School and Work Dealing with brain fog while juggling school or work is tough, no doubt about it, but there are strategies and accommodations that can make a world of difference. If brain fog significantly impairs a person’s ability to perform daily activities or work, it may be classified as a disability under various legal and medical frameworks. In fact, did you know that many countries have laws in place to protect individuals with disabilities, making sure they get the support they need? A Personal Note On my worst days, brain fog makes me feel like I’m losing myself. It’s scary, and it’s okay to admit that. But I try to remember – this fog lifts. It always does. We’re still here, still ourselves, even when our brains decide to take an unscheduled vacation. So, how do you cope with brain fog? What works for you? What doesn’t? Take care, all. And if you forget where you put your keys today, know that you’re in good company!