Is Poor Short Term Memory A Symptom Of Brain Fog?

Posted on Tue, 24 Nov 2015

Question: Hi Doctor. My name is XXXX, I'm 68 years old a former Nurse. Lately I'm having trouble with memory. In the past been in 7 auto accidents. Never my fault with many concusions . Could you please tell me what brain fog is? At times I feel as if there is nothing up in my brain Thank You.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
possibility of early stage of dementia

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us. After so much medical-surgical problems you are still writing your query on your own suggest that you have good will power and you are a strong lady.

Brain fog is not a specific medical terminology. In simple meaning it means mild fluctuation of consciousness. It may include poor short term memory, difficulty learning new things, poor mental stamina and concentration, difficulty finding the right word, thinking one word, but saying another.
There are lots of causes of brain fog depending upon age and physical condition.

In your case it can be early stage of dementia. Consulting neurologist for MMSE (mini mental status examination) and if needed doing MRI brain will help to diagnose the problem. In dementia role of treatment is not curative but it holds/reduces the progress of illness. So earlier the treatment starts better the results will be there.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar