What is brain fog?

Brain fog isn't a medical condition itself, but rather a symptom of other medical conditions. It’s a type of
cognitive dysfunction involving:
memory problems
lack of mental clarity
poor concentration
inability to focus
Some people also describe it as mental fatigue. Depending on the severity of brain fog, it can interfere
with work or school. But it doesn't have to be a permanent fixture in your life.
What are the causes of brain fog?
There are numerous explanations for why brain fog occurs. Once you identify the underlying cause, you
can begin fixing the problem. Here are six possible causes.
1. Stress
Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and trigger depression. It can
also cause mental fatigue. When your brain is exhausted, it becomes harder to think, reason, and focus.
The effects of stress on the body »
2. Lack of sleep
Poor sleep quality can also interfere with how well your brain functions. Aim for 8 to 9 hours of sleep per
night. Sleeping too little can lead to poor concentration and cloudy thoughts.
Causes and risk factors for insomnia »
3. Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes can also trigger brain fog. Levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen
increase during pregnancy. This change can affect memory and cause short-term cognitive impairment.
Similarly, a drop in estrogen level during menopause can cause forgetfulness, poor concentration, and
cloudy thinking.
Learn the connection: Memory loss and menopause »
4. Diet
Diet can also play a role in brain fog. Vitamin B-12 supports healthy brain function, and a vitamin B-12
deficiency can bring about brain fog.
If you have food allergies or sensitivities, brain fog may develop after eating certain foods. Possible
culprits include:
MSG
aspartame
peanuts
dairy
Removing trigger foods from your diet may improve symptoms.
5. Medications
If you notice brain fog while taking medication, talk with your doctor. Brain fog may be a known side
effect of the drug. Lowering your dosage or switching to another drug may improve your symptoms.
Brain fog can also occur after cancer treatments. This is referred to as chemo brain.
6. Medical conditions
Medical conditions associated with inflammation, fatigue, or changes in blood glucose level can also
cause mental fatigue. For example, brain fog is a symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, which involves
persistent fatigue for longer than six months.
People who have fibromyalgia may experience similar fogginess on a daily basis.
Other conditions that may cause brain fog include:
anemia
depression
diabetes
Sjö gren syndrome
migraines
Alzheimer’s disease
hypothyroidism
autoimmune diseases such as lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis
dehydration
How it’s diagnosed
See your doctor if you have persistent lack of clarity that worsens or doesn't improve. A single test can’t
diagnose brain fog. Brain fog may signal an underlying issue, so your doctor will conduct a physical
examination and ask about your:
mental health
diet
level of physical activity
current medications or supplements
You should let your doctor know about other symptoms you might have. For example, someone with
hypothyroidism may have brain fog along with hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, or brittle nails.
Blood work can help your doctor identify the cause of brain fog. A blood test can detect the following:
abnormal glucose levels
poor liver, kidney, and thyroid function
nutritional deficiencies
infections
inflammatory diseases
Based on the results, your doctor will determine whether to investigate further. Other diagnostic tools
may include imaging tests to look inside the body, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. The doctor may also
conduct allergy testing or a sleep study to check for a sleep disorder.
Keeping a food journal can help you determine if your diet contributes to brain fog.
How to treat it
Brain fog treatment depends on the cause.
For example, if you’re anemic, iron supplements may increase your production of red blood cells and
reduce your brain fog. If you're diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, your doctor may recommend a
corticosteroid or other medication to reduce inflammation or suppress the immune system.
Sometimes, relieving brain fog is a matter of correcting a nutritional deficiency, switching medications,
or improving the quality of your sleep.
Home remedies to improve brain fog include:
sleeping 8 to 9 hours per night
managing stress by knowing your limitations and avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine
exercising
strengthening your brain power (try volunteering or solving brain puzzles)
finding enjoyable activities
increasing your intake of protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats
 Executive functioning issues are weaknesses in a set of important
mental skills that are key to learning. Kids with executive functioning
issues often struggle with working memory, flexible thinking and self-
control.
Some people describe executive function as “the CEO of the brain.” That’s
because these skills allow us to set goals, plan and get things done. When
kids struggle with executive skills, it impacts them in school and in everyday
life.

Trouble with executive skills isn’t a diagnosis or learning disability on its own.
But it’s a common problem for kids with learning and attention issues. All kids
with ADHD have issues with executive function. And many kids with
specific learning disabilities have weaknesses in some executive skills.
The three main areas of executive function are:

1. Working memory
2. Cognitive flexibility (also called flexible thinking)
3. Inhibitory control (which includes self-control)

Executive function is responsible for a number of skills, including:

 Paying attention
 Organizing, planning and prioritizing
 Starting tasks and staying focused on them to completion
 Understanding different points of view
 Regulating emotions
 Self-monitoring (keeping track of what you’re doing)

Executive skills usually develop quickly during early childhood and into
adolescence. But they keep developing into the mid-twenties. When they’re
younger, some kids may lag behind their faster-developing peers for a while.
As they get older, though, they may have fewer challenges as teens and
young adults. And in the meantime, there are strategies and supports at
school that can help.
 Executive Functioning Issues Signs and Symptoms
Executive functioning issues impact kids in different ways. Kids may have
weakness in only one or two areas, or in all of them. The signs of problems
with executive function often look like the signs of ADHD. That’s
because ADHD is a problem with executive function.

Kids with weak executive skills may:

 Have trouble starting and/or completing tasks

 Have difficulty prioritizing tasks
 Forget what they’ve just heard or read
 Have trouble following directions or a sequence of steps
 Panic when rules or routines change
 Have trouble switching focus from one task to another
 Get overly emotional and fixate on things
 Have trouble organizing their thoughts
 Have trouble keeping track of their belongings
 Not be able to manage their time

Since executive function develops over time, a child may struggle in different
ways at different ages. Here are some signs you might see at various grade
levels.

Preschool–Grade 2

 Gets frustrated easily, and gives up instead of asking for help

 Has trouble following directions
 Has frequent tantrums over minor things
 Insists on doing things a certain way
 Answers questions in vague ways

Grades 3–7
 Starts a task, gets distracted, and never finishes it
 Often mixes up school assignments and brings home the wrong books
 Has a messy desk and backpack
 Wants to have friends come over, but never sets it up
 Seems to focus on the least important point in a discussion

Teens

 Loses track of time

 Engages in risky behavior
 Has trouble working in groups
 Forgets to fill out job or college applications
 Is overly optimistic or unrealistic

Processing speed can also play a role in executive function. Kids need to
notice challenges, weigh the options, and put things in context to solve
problems. Some of the signs of executive functioning issues may be partly due
to slow processing speed.

Other Issues That Can Co-Occur With Executive

Functioning Issues
Weak executive function can occur with many learning issues. And it always
occurs with ADHD. Here are some ways that issues with executive function
can overlap with other conditions that impact learning and behavior.

ADHD (also known as ADD) is essentially a problem of executive function. Its

main symptoms are all the result of weak executive skills. These include
impulsivity, difficulty paying attention, poor working memory, trouble managing
emotions and difficulty shifting focus from one task to another.

Learn about the similarities and differences between ADHD and executive
functioning issues.

Specific learning disabilities don’t always involve a problem with executive

function. But it’s not uncommon for kids
 with dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia to also have weak executive skills.
Those weaknesses make the learning issue even more complicated.

Learn how problems with executive function can impact reading and math.

Slow processing speed isn’t a problem with executive function. But it can
create problems with executive function. Not being able to quickly size up
situations and consider the options means that kids can’t solve problems as
fast as they need to.

Learn more about slow processing speed.

Anxiety and depression are common in kids with executive functioning

issues, learning disabilities and ADHD, which is a problem with executive
function. It can sometimes be hard to figure out which issue is behind certain
behaviors without professional help.

General adaptation

How Executive Functioning Issues Are Diagnosed

There’s no diagnosis called executive function disorder. You won’t find it in the
DSM-5, the manual clinicians use to diagnose conditions. But you can
still identify weaknesses in executive function by having your child evaluated.

Executive function is complex, so it can be tricky to evaluate. But there

are specific teststhat look at a wide range of skills that are involved in
executive function. These skills include:

 Attention
 Inhibitory control
 Working memory
 Organization and planning
 Concept formation
 Set shifting (the ability to shift from one task to another)
 Word and idea generation
Testing for executive functioning issues should be part of a comprehensive
evaluation that also looks for possible learning issues. This type of evaluation
can be done by clinical child psychologists and pediatric neuropsychologists
who are trained to administer the tests and interpret the results.

Evaluations for ADHD don’t involve tests. But they can still confirm weak
executive skills based on behavior assessments.

How Professionals Can Help With Executive

Functioning Issues
There are different types of professionals who can help with executive
functioning problems. They may also help with ADHD and other issues that
can co-occur. How these professionals work with kids varies, based on their
specialties.

Pediatricians, neurologists, developmental-behavioral pediatricians,

nurse practitioners and psychiatrists don’t test for executive functioning
issues. But they can refer kids to specialists who do. These medical
professionals can diagnose ADHD, however, and prescribe medication as part
of a treatment plan. (There are no medications just for executive functioning
problems.) And they can look for other related issues, like anxiety.

Clinical child psychologists may test for challenges with executive function
as part of a full evaluation. They may also diagnose ADHD and mental health
issues, like anxiety. Some psychologists provide behavior therapy

and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Behavior therapy helps kids replace negative behaviors with positive ones.
CBT helps kids deal with thoughts and feelings and manage behavior.

Read about this mom’s system to

help her son keep track of his stuff.
Pediatric neuropsychologists may test for executive functioning issues as
part of a full evaluation. They may also evaluate for ADHD and common
 mental health issues that might co-occur. Learn more about the role
of pediatric neuropsychologists.

School psychologists can administer school-based testing that helps plan

supports and interventions at school. They may also work with kids to come
up with strategies to help with social skills and behavior management.

Special education teachers may work with kids to build academic, social and
organization skills. They may also work on strategies for managing behavior.

Read more about the role of special education teachers. And find out how kids
with executive functioning issues may qualify for a 504 plan or an IEP.

Organizational coaches are consultants you can hire to help your child.
They’re not tutors who help build academic skills. Instead, they work with kids
on building organization and time management skills. They can also work on
study skills. Learn more about organizational coaches.

How You Can Help Your Child With Executive

Functioning Issues
Problems with executive function can impact your child in school and in
everyday life. Understanding your child’s issues makes it easier for you to find
the best supports at school and the best strategies at home.

Here are some things you can do to make learning and everyday life easier for
your child, and help your child find success:

 Download a printable goals calendar to help your child stay on track.

 Find out how practicing mindfulness could help your child. Encourage your
child to pause and reflect for a moment before trying to solve a problem.
 Try to model this pause-and-reflect behavior yourself, and ask open-ended
questions about your child’s plans.
 Use picture schedules to help young kids get organized.
 Play games that can help build executive functioning skills.
 Discover more tips for organizing your child’s backpack, and download
a luggage tag checklist for your child’s backpack.
 Explore ways to improve your child’s working memory and build flexible
thinking skills.
 Get tips for talking to your child’s teacher about executive functioning issues.
 Find ways to help your child slow down on homework, and review homework
when it’s done.
 Watch as an expert talks about apps for teens with organization issues.
 If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, read about ADHD treatment
options.

For more ideas, explore this collection of executive function strategies you can
try at home.

It’s important for you to have support, too.

 Hear from a mom on what she wishes others knew about parenting a child
with executive functioning issues.
 Share your own experience in our online community.
 Connect with experts through our free Experts Live events.
 Visit Parenting Coach, where you’ll find hundreds of age-specific tips to help
you help your child improve organization skills and work through social,
emotional and behavioral challenges.
 Learn ways to cope with parenting stress and make time for yourself.

ADHD

What Is ADHD
The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common
neurodevelopmental disorders in children.Although the diagnosis is usually made
in childhood, symptoms may persist as the child gets older and reaches
adulthood.The core symptoms of ADHD are difficulty paying attention, difficulty
controlling impulses, and being very active.

According to the U.S. CDC (October 2016), the prevalence of ADHD is about
11% in children 4-17 years of age and 5% of all children. ADHD is about more
common among boys (13.2%) than in girls (5.6%). The average age of ADHD
diagnosis was 7 years of age, but children with more severe ADHD were
diagnosed earlier.

Suspect ADHD If
Your child often fails to give attention to details or makes careless mistakes.

Your child often has trouble remaining attentive to tasks or play activities.

Your child loses focus and fails to finish schoolwork or chores or has trouble
being organized.

Your child often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school
materials, pencils, books).

Your child is often easily distracted and is often forgetful in daily activities.

Your child often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in his/her seat, or
leaves the seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.

Your child often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate and
is often 'on the go' acting as if 'driven by a motor'.

Your child often talks excessively.

Your child often has trouble waiting his/her turn and often interrupts or intrudes
on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

Your child has had several of these symptoms before age 12 years and has had
several symptoms in two or more settings (such as at home, school, or work).

Your child’s symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or
work functioning.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects children and teens and can continue into
adulthood. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder of children. Children with
ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying
attention. These behaviors interfere with school and home life.
It’s more common in boys than in girls. It’s usually discovered during the early school years,
when a child begins to have problems paying attention.
Adults with ADHD may have trouble managing time, being organized, setting goals, and holding
down a job. They may also have problems with relationships, self-esteem, and addiction.

Symptoms in Children
Symptoms are grouped into three categories:
Inattention. A child with ADHD:

 Is easily distracted
  Doesn't follow directions or finish tasks
 Doesn't appear to be listening
 Doesn't pay attention and makes careless mistakes
 Forgets about daily activities
 Has problems organizing daily tasks
 Doesn’t like to do things that require sitting still
 Often loses things
 Tends to daydream

Symptoms in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD may change as a person gets
older. They include:
 Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
 Anxiety
 Low self-esteem
 Problems at work
 Trouble controlling anger
 Impulsiveness
 Substance abuse or addiction
 Unorganized
 Procrastination
 Easily frustrated
 Chronic boredom
 Trouble concentrating when reading
 Mood swings
 Depression
 Relationship problems
Causes of ADHD
The cause of ADHD isn’t known. Researchers say several things may lead to it, including:

 Heredity. ADHD tends to run in families.

 Chemical imbalance. Brainchemicals in people with ADHD may be out of balance.
  Brain changes. Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with
ADHD.
 Poor nutrition, infections, smoking, drinking, and substance abuse
during pregnancy. These things can affect a baby’s brain development.
 Toxins, such as lead. They may affect a child's brain development.
 A brain injury or a brain disorder. Damage to the front of the brain, called the frontal
lobe, can cause problems with controlling impulses and emotions.

Sugar doesn’t cause ADHD. ADHD also isn’t caused by watching too much TV, a poor home
life, poor schools, or food allergies.
ADHD can't be prevented or cured. But spotting it early, plus having a good treatment and
education plan, can help a child or adult with ADHD manage their symptoms.

ADHD Treatment
Many symptoms of ADHD can be managed with medication and therapy.
Medication: Medications called stimulants can help control hyperactive and impulsive behavior
and increase attention span. They include:

 Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
 Dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine)
 Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
 Methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana,
Metadate, Methylin, Ritalin, Quillivant)
Stimulant medications don’t work for everyone
with ADHD. Nonstimulant medications may be
prescribed for people older than 6. These include:
 Atomoxetine (Strattera)
 Clonidine (Kapvay)
 Guanfacine (Intuniv)
Dietary supplements with omega 3s have shown
some benefit. Vayarin, a non-pharmaceutical
supplement that contains omega-3s, is available by
prescription only.
Therapy: These treatments focus on changing
behavior.
 Special education helps a child learn at
school. Having structure and a routine can help
children with ADHD a lot.
 Behavior modification teaches ways to
replace bad behaviors with good ones.
 Psychotherapy (counseling) can help
someone with ADHD learn better ways to
handle their emotions and frustration. It can
also help improve their self-esteem. Counseling
may also help family members better
understand the child or adult with ADHD.
 Social skills training can teach behaviors,
such as taking turns and sharing.
Support groups of people with similar problems
and needs can help with acceptance and support.
Groups also can provide a way to learn more about
ADHD. These groups are helpful for adults with
ADHD or parents of children with ADHD.

What is Concentration?
by Remez Sasson

What is concentration?

What do you know about it?

Concentration is the ability to direct one’s attention in accordance with

one’s will. It means control of the attention. It is the ability to focus the
mind on one subject, object or thought, and at the same time exclude
from the mind every other unrelated thoughts, ideas, feelings and
sensations.

It also means the ability to do one thing at a time, instead of jumping

from one subject to another and losing attention, time, and energy.

Concentration is a state, in which one’s whole attention is engrossed

in one thing only, and being oblivious to everything else. During
concentration, the mind focuses on the object of concentration, and
only one thought occupies the mind. The whole energy of the mind
becomes concentrated on this one thought.

The ability to command the mind and control the attention is not
common, and requires training. Most people lack the ability to control
their attention and focus the mind exclusively on one subject for any
length of time. They can’t command their mind to concentrate,
whenever they want to. However, concentration is not uncommon
activity. It happens almost everyday, to almost everyone, but it is more
of a spontaneous and uncontrolled ability.