Brain fog is a fairly “new” term but describes a condition many people, especially seniors, have dealt with for years. It refers to various symptoms that make a person feel like their brain isn’t functioning at full capacity.
For elderly loved ones, managing brain fog can be particularly challenging, affecting their ability to make decisions, solve problems, and carry out daily tasks. This is where senior home care providers can play a crucial role, offering support and assistance to help navigate these episodes.
Brain fog can last anywhere from a few hours to days or even weeks, making it essential to address the causes and work on solutions.
Brain Fog Symptoms
Brain fog is named as such because many people say that getting access to their brain functions is like traveling through a heavy fog. They are still there, but all of a sudden, it requires great effort to access those functions, and it can be a slow and labored process.
Other symptoms of brain fog include:
- Fatigue
- Trouble paying attention
- Struggle to concentrate
- Lack of focus
- Inability to clearly articulate a thought
- Easily confused
- Disinterest in what is going on around them
- Delayed response time or thought process
- Struggle with performing tasks that are normally easy
- Headache
Common Causes of Brain Fog in the Elderly
Brain fog can have many causes, some of which are temporary, like extreme lack of sleep or the body fighting off an infection. In other cases, it may be tied to lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, or poor sleep habits.
Recurring brain fog can also stem from underlying health conditions. Autoimmune diseases like fibromyalgia and lupus, as well as issues like diabetes and neurodivergent conditions, can contribute to brain fog. Long Covid has also recently been identified as a potential cause.
For seniors experiencing brain fog, senior home care can provide essential support by creating healthier routines, managing stress, and addressing medical needs. With proper care, seniors can experience improved cognitive clarity and overall well-being.
Tips for Helping Your Loved One Manage Brain Fog Episodes
Making some lifestyle changes may help your loved one reduce her brain fog episodes. Your loved one will benefit from having the support of a family member or senior home care team to implement some of these changes if they feel drastic to her.
- Get regular activity of at least 30 minutes a day. This will boost your loved one’s immune system and improve her body’s ability to fight off viruses. A daily walk with her senior home care provider or a swim at a local pool can do the trick.
- Eliminate empty calories. Your loved one may find a reduction in her brain fog episodes if she “cleans” up her diet. A senior home care provider can help her with purchasing better foods to stock her fridge with as well as prepare meals and snacks that are healthy and delicious.
- Get consistent sleep and enough of it. Your loved one needs at least seven hours of sleep each night. Regular sleep can help her brain get the rest it needs and then function better during the daytime hours.
In the short term, your loved one can benefit from taking certain steps to manage brain fog, especially with the support of senior home care:
- Create lists of tasks and steps to follow, making it easy to cross them off as they go.
- Set up reminders on phone calendars to keep track of important dates.
- Encourage them to get up, stretch, and move around to reboot when brain fog sets in.
- Rely on senior home care services or ask for help when needed.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Apache Junction, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care today. Call (480) 777-0070
Legacy Home Care is a top provider of home care services in Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix, and surrounding areas.
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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