Also known as brain fatigue, brain fog is an episode of mental confusion, which often results in lack of focus, reduced mental clarity, and poor memory. There are a number of possible reasons people with psoriatic arthritis may experience brain fog. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms such as fatigue and pain can make it difficult to think clearly. And people with psoriatic arthritis have a greater risk of depression, which can affect memory, concentration, and cognitive function. A study published in March 2021 in the journal Medicine found that nearly half of patients with psoriatic arthritis experienced mild cognitive impairment. Another potential cause of brain fog: “If you have an autoimmune disease such as psoriatic arthritis, you’re more likely to have fibromyalgia,” explains Anca Askanase, MD, an associate professor of medicine and director of rheumatology clinical trials at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. “Fibromyalgia is associated with sleep disturbance, sleep fatigue, and brain fog.” The good news is that there are steps you can take to manage brain fog if you have psoriatic arthritis. Here are five to try:
1. Get organized
If brain fog makes it difficult for you to concentrate on a task or to remember where you left your keys, there are several strategies you can try to make things easier. Organize your home and work space so that you can easily find everything you regularly use. Keep a calendar or dry-erase board in a prominent area in your home to keep track of important appointments and events. And write everything down! To-do lists, sticky note reminders, and alerts on your phone can help you remember everything you need to do.
3. Get more (and better) sleep
“Having appropriate sleep hygiene is very important for people with psoriatic arthritis, as well as fibromyalgia,” says Manika Zeri, MD, a rheumatologist with Atrium Health in Concord, North Carolina. Lack of sleep can negatively affect the brain’s cognitive function, which can result in an episode of brain fog. In fact, a study published in November 2017 in the journal Nature Medicine found that sleep deprivation disrupts our brain cells’ ability to communicate with each other, resulting in temporary mental lapses, which can negatively affect our memories and visual perceptions. “It’s important to zero in on why you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep. Things such as limiting caffeine intake, exercising, not having a TV in your bedroom, and turning off electronics close to bedtime can all reduce the chance of a sleepless night,” says Dr. Zeri.
4. Find a hobby
Like your heart and lungs, your brain needs exercise in order to stay sharp and clear. And research published in May 2015 in Neurology found that taking up a hobby such as painting, quilting, pottery, or woodworking could help keep your brain strong. The study reported that engaging in a creative hobby reduced participants’ risks of developing dementia and helped preserve memory. The benefits of taking up a hobby are twofold: Not only does it help with mental clarity but it also increases the likelihood of social interaction, which is important for people with psoriatic arthritis, who may feel isolated or alone because of the condition.
5. Meditate
Mindfulness can play a significant role in stress relief, but it can also help with mental clarity, something those with brain fog often lack. Research shows that meditation may increase all-important gray matter in the brain. Gray matter includes areas of the brain responsible for muscle control and sensory perception such as hearing, memory, decision-making, and more. There are many types of meditation you can try. If you’re new to meditating, you can begin by sitting or lying in a quiet room, closing your eyes, and focusing on your breathing for a few minutes a day.
