Dr Charles Shepherd, Honorary Medical Adviser to the ME Association has updated the information on cognitive dysfunction.
Cognitive dysfunction, often referred to as ‘brain fog’ by people with ME/CFS and Long Covid, and is how doctors refer to problems with normal mental functioning.
Introduction Summary
- Cognitive dysfunction is how doctors refer to problems with normal mental functioning – concentration and short-term (working)memory in particular.
- The 2021 NICE guideline (BOX 2) on ME/CFS states that cognitive dysfunction is one of the four key diagnostic symptoms of ME/CFS.
- Cognitive dysfunction can be a worrying and often very frustrating part of having ME/CFS and Long Covid.
- The symptoms often fluctuate unpredictably and vary from mild to severe.
- The cause remains uncertain and there is no effective form of drug treatment available.
- Self-help coping strategies can however be helpful.
