{
  "id": 14085874,
  "title": "Lost in ‘brain fog’? Why your mind feels cloudy and sluggish",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/lost-in-brain-fog-why-your-mind-feels-cloudy-and-sluggish",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-13T00:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/10/13/lost-in-brain-fog-why-your-mind-feels-cloudy-and-sluggish"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Brain fog, a term used to describe a range of cognitive symptoms, often leaves people feeling mentally cloudy, distracted, and unable to think clearly. Though not a medical diagnosis, the symptoms can feel quite real. During the pandemic, many individuals who contracted Covid-19 reported experiencing brain fog, attributing it to the illness negatively affecting brain function, a condition known as cognitive impairment.\n\nNeuroinflammation, an inflammatory response within the brain and central nervous system, can contribute to cognitive decline. This inflammation, often caused by injury, infection, toxins, or disease, can lead to brain cell deterioration and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. However, scientists are still researching the relationship between neuroinflammation and other cognitive conditions such as delirium.\n\nBrain fog can affect anyone, particularly older adults and those living with chronic diseases. While increased screen time might contribute to cognitive impairment due to greater social isolation, heavy reliance on technology can also lead to constant switching between devices, affecting concentration and cognitive wellbeing. To help manage chronic conditions associated with brain fog, regular health screenings are recommended, alongside maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Exercise, particularly resistance training, is also encouraged, along with mental stimulation and social participation to maintain cognitive health. If considering supplements for mental clarity, it's essential to choose brands and dosages carefully, with EGb 761, a standardised extract of ginkgo biloba leaves, being a recommended option for dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and dizziness.",
  "summary": "The difficulties associated with this form of cognitive impairment can affect your everyday life.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Lost in ‘brain fog’? Why your mind feels cloudy and sluggish",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/lost-in-brain-fog-why-your-mind-feels-cloudy-and-sluggish-14086356",
        "published": "2026-10-13T00:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}