Brain Fog Supplements: What Is Known and What Is Not

Many causes, several of them treatable, so the first step is finding which one applies.

Mayo Clinic lists medicines, vitamin B12 deficiency, stress, anxiety or depression, heavy alcohol use, an underactive thyroid and untreated sleep apnea among treatable causes of memory trouble (Mayo Clinic, Memory Loss). The same logic applies to fog. A capsule cannot fix a thyroid, a missed night of sleep or a medicine side effect.

• MedicinesSome medicines, or combinations of them, can cause forgetfulness or confusion. Tell your clinician about every prescription, over-the-counter medicine and supplement. (Mayo Clinic, Memory Loss) (NIA, Cognitive Health and Older Adults)
• Low vitamin B12Mayo Clinic says not enough B12, common in older adults, can affect memory. A blood test shows it; ODS lists who is at risk. (Mayo Clinic, Memory Loss) (NIH ODS, Vitamin B12)
• Mood, stress and sleepStress, anxiety, depression and untreated sleep apnea can all affect memory and attention. (Mayo Clinic, Memory Loss)
• Thyroid, alcohol and head injuryAn underactive thyroid, heavy alcohol use and head injuries, even without loss of consciousness, can affect memory. (Mayo Clinic, Memory Loss)
• DeliriumNIA describes delirium as a sudden state of confusion, often in a hospital stay, and says to seek treatment. (NIA, Cognitive Health and Older Adults)
• Early dementiaMemory loss that disrupts daily life is often an early sign; the Alzheimer's Association says do not ignore it and to see a doctor. (Alzheimer's Association, 10 Early Signs) (Mayo Clinic, Memory Loss)

Bring your medicine list. The NIA notes that some medicines can cause confusion and memory loss in older adults, and that you should not stop a prescribed one without asking (NIA, Cognitive Health and Older Adults).

Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as missed bills, lost routes or repeated questions, needs a doctor, not a supplement. The red-flags page lists what to bring to the visit.