Whether you call it fibro fog, brain fog, cognitive dysfunction, or "wow, I feel stupid today," the loss of brain function we experience with fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) can be just as debilitating as our pain and fatigue. But what can you do about it?
We don't know a lot about our cognitive dysfunction (big surprise), but researchers are learning more about how the brain functions, malfunctions and ages. And it seems like every time I read about some new discovery, it shows the benefits of cognitive training.
My mother always used to say, "The brain is like a muscle -- if you don't use it, you'll lose it." Apparently, she was more right than she could have known. Research on the aging brain, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's all shows that using the brain in certain ways improves cognitive function. We have evidence that part of the problem in FMS is premature brain aging and gray-matter loss, and cognitive training is showing a lot of promise -- for slowing, stopping, and even reversing these problems. It's also being used to combat learning disorders, and what we call fibro fog may actually be several distinct learning disorders (such as dysphasia and dyscalculia.)
Some doctors, especially neuropsychologists, are setting up programs for their patients with cognitive problems. Frequently, it involves computer software that you use from home. However, you can also do some of this work on your own.
Research does show that playing computer games can actually improve brain function. Some websites and even the Nintendo DS game system are now offering games specifically aimed at improving cognitive function. It's worked for me -- early on in my fibro life, I turned to online computer games to fill the copious amounts of time I spent on the couch. I firmly believe that Sudoku kept my logic skills from degrading. Later, Boggle seemed to help with word retrieval. More recently, I've used Tetris and a bouncing-ball game called Oooze to improve my spacial abilities. All of these games have helped me pick up my mental speed. I do still have fibro fog issues, but they're nowhere as severe as they used to be. And if I notice I'm backsliding in a particular area, I go back to the game that helped before -- and I've found that it gets me back on track.
Have you used cognitive training, either through a treatment program or on your own? What was the result? What kinds of games and activities have helped you regain your cognitive function? Leave your comments below!
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I play sudoku every day. The game has different levels and you can use a spreadsheet to keep track of how much time you need to solve a puzzle and to see if you are making progress.
I also play Mahjong and apparently it is good for cognitive performance.
Never heard of Boggle, but will give it a try.
I believe in the power of game play to help with our “fog”. I can tell were I’m at by the games I can play and the ones I can’t. Before my relapse, I had no trouble with Suduko, now I just LOL. I’m better in the mornings. I play several games on I Won. I like the word twist and solitaire . There are others I play that has to so with eye-hand-coordination. Luminosity, also has great games that engage the brain.
Two words re: cognitive function: Magnesium injections.
Changed my life.
I’ve had some limited success with nootropics (Piracetam, Aniracetam).
I went back to college to finish my degree, even after menopause! I can definitely tell a difference in cognition. Like all college students, though, I’m on the lookout for other ways to get an edge on studying and exams, so I’m grateful for the advice I see here, e.g., magnesium injections. Tell me more!
I understand how playing games/cards etc can help but I find I get very tired after 10 mins! of concentrating, so its not very helpful for me at the moment. I used to be a nurse and the thought of calculating dosages is not going to happen!! Do other folk feel like this?
yes, went back to school in my 40’s to learn patternmaking, got the ‘flu I never got over’ in last sememster and now can’t do the math for it. On a related subject, how to you get a student loan forgiven?
When I first started playing Sudoku, I bought the MENSA book, and yes, I could do them. Not their hard ones, cuz I was just learning, but still. Before being diagnosed, I could tell how bad a day I was having by how far I had to move down on the easy scale. I thought it was just trouble concentrating from back injury pain. Now my back is in better shape (core training BEFORE CFS kicked in), and doesn’t hurt so much. But of course, everything else does. And the concentration needed due to that and fog, and… One day I had a hard time doing the KIDS version of the game. And it has SO many numbers already filled in! (But today we drove around looking at Christmas lights, and I didn’t get disoriented ONCE! Who-hoo!)
I had to shape up my algebra for a course in statistics (I was in my late 40’s). I found out the equations were doing wonders for my concentration abilities.
Sudoku is a fun way for me to spend a few minutes here and there, but I am also busy working full time, which is also pretty good at keeping me on my toes, mentally. Some days, though, I am definitely not up to it. I tend to look for easier tasks on my list those days.
I also journal, write reviews, blog, and create things in Zazzle to sell: http://www.zazzle.com/xsarenkax*
Using my noodle to create items to sell helps me twice.
Hillary — YES… Mental work is DRAINING. I do get very tired after doing very simple mental tasks, particularly ones that involve concentration or that make me hold more than one idea in my mind at a time.
You are *so* not alone. I think a lot of us experience fatigue relating to mental “work.” I try to do my mental tasks when I know I’m up for it. Someone suggested finding out what my best time of day is, and I think that was a good suggestion… Just can’t be sure what time that is!!!