Neurologist Recommends Targeted Exercises to Combat Brain Fog

Simple, targeted exercises can help combat brain fog, but general cognitive games like crosswords and math puzzles may not be effective if they do not address the specific cause of the mental decline, according to a neurologist.

Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl, a professor of neurology at UCLA and co-founder of Cleopatra RX in Los Angeles, stated that brain exercises are only beneficial if they target the particular cognitive function that is experiencing difficulties. "You can't just do random cognitive exercises," Voskuhl told Fox News Digital. "They've got to fit the problem."

Voskuhl explained that for many, especially women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, the issue is often related to verbal memory and processing speed, not a general decline in intelligence or logic. As estrogen levels drop, the brain can be impacted in these specific areas, making it harder to recall names and words, or to think quickly under pressure.

She noted that activities like Sudoku or other number puzzles primarily engage logic and math skills and may not help with word recall. "It's not a global problem with the brain," Voskuhl said, adding that while global brain atrophy is not the cause, certain regions like the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory, may show functional connection issues.

To effectively combat brain fog, Voskuhl recommends exercises that focus on two key elements: word retrieval and speed. "It's basically processing speed," she said. "So you need an exercise that is going to be something that makes you rush, makes you do it quickly."

Recommended exercises include timed word games, where individuals list as many words as possible within a category in 60 seconds. Speed reading followed by a quick summary, and rapid recall drills using flashcards or picture prompts to identify objects or people quickly, are also suggested.

Voskuhl advises individuals to identify their specific cognitive challenges in daily life and choose games that align with those difficulties, rather than relying on generic puzzle apps. "Once you know those things, you should think about what kind of games [to play]," she said. "You can play around with different games. You can see if it pushes you."