Lupus is an autoimmune disease that damages all the organs in the body, including the brain. “Lupus brain fog\u201d refers to cognitive problems, mood imbalances, and the fatigue people experience. It\u2019s common but infrequently talked about. In this article, we bring up some possible symptoms and potential complementary strategies to discuss with your doctor.<\/p>\n
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Many people with lupus suffer from “brain fog,” mood disorders, and fatigue. The term \u201clupus fog\u201d was coined to describe all these symptoms [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Research suggests that about 10% to 80% of people diagnosed with lupus experience cognitive problems at some point. The range is so large partly because different criteria are being used to define cognitive decline and low mood [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Systemic lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus <\/em>or SLE<\/em>) is a chronic autoimmune disease that often affects women more than men [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In lupus, white blood cells<\/a> incorrectly identify the body\u2019s own tissues as a threat. These cells become hyperactive and produce antibodies against healthy tissues. The tissues under attack — including the brain, skin, muscles, bones, and lungs — become inflamed and less functional [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Symptoms of lupus vary from person to person and include fatigue, fever, and weight loss [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Research suggests that when lupus affects the central nervous system — the spinal cord and brain — people may begin to experience “lupus brain fog” and\/or headaches<\/a>, depression<\/a>, anxiety<\/a>, seizures, and strokes [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n “Brain fog”<\/em><\/strong><\/a> is a broader term used to describe a constellation of cognitive symptoms, the most common ones being [R<\/a>, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n People subjectively describe feeling forgetful, confused, and scattered — enveloped in what is felt as a \u201cthick mental haze.\u201d They feel their brain is slower and less agile than it should be. Thoughts become sluggish, blurred, and draining [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n According to one theory that has yet to be verified, “brain fog” might be caused by inflammation in the brain<\/strong><\/a> (as in lupus). Scientists hypothesize it might be triggered by [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to partner up with your doctor to uncover the underlying causes of your symptoms.<\/p>\n People say “brain fog<\/a>” is so frustrating because, for one, it is not a diagnosis. It\u2019s a set of subjective symptoms. You may have “brain fog”, but it could be too \u201cmild\u201d or \u201cunspecific\u201d to be labeled as cognitive impairment<\/em>. Likewise, \u201clupus fog\u201d is not a diagnosis, though doctors accept its existence.<\/p>\n According to the research and clinical data, the main symptom of \u201clupus fog\u201d is cognitive dysfunction<\/strong>: people may experience long- and short-term memory problems, have difficulty forming abstract thoughts, and feel like their sense of judgment is off [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Some people also feel like they can\u2019t understand and express speech (aphasia<\/em>) or plan movements. Others find it difficult to recognize familiar objects (agnosia<\/em>) and may also undergo personality changes [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n \u201cLupus fog\u201d can take a large toll on day-to-day life. It may reduce productivity<\/a> by 20-80% [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Studies point out that it often arises alongside depression<\/strong>, fatigue<\/strong>, and anxiety <\/strong>early on — each of which can worsen “brain fog” [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n People with \u201clupus fog\u201d may also experience a \u201cclouding of consciousness<\/a>\u201d that intensifies at night. They often find it hard to focus<\/a> and have reduced awareness of their physical environment. It can get frustrating, and people describe feeling like they\u2019re losing control, becoming agitated, or even aggressive [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Additionally, about 5% of people diagnosed with systemic lupus will experience episodes of psychosis. These episodes can cause a loss of self-control, delusions, and hallucinations [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\nLupus<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
“Brain Fog”<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Symptoms of \u201cLupus Fog\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Cognitive Dysfunction<\/span><\/h3>\n
Personality & Productivity Changes<\/span><\/h3>\n
Mood Issues<\/span><\/h3>\n