10 Helpful Strategies for Parkinson’s Foggy Brain

Twice this week I’ve evaluated people who reported brain fog as being their most discouraging symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Both of the individuals were highly functional, had PD for less than 5 years, yet reported really struggling with the tasks that their work and hobbies required. One person said it was really scary and actually lead to them experiencing panic attacks.

Here are 10 simple, common sense tips that I recommend that my clients have found helpful:

1. Exercise. Are you maximizing your exercise routine? Get your blood flowing to the brain and muscles. Our bodies are designed to move, and all systems are more efficient when we do aerobic exercise and good stretching.
2. Sleep. Are you getting enough sleep? Even if you don’t have PD, sleep deprivation is a huge cause of brain fog. You should implement good “sleep hygiene” by implementing regular bedtimes and leaving your mobile devices in another room.
3. Stress. We have all been stressed, and it is easy to forget things when your head is full. Stress can also inhibit the ability to learn a new task. Try tai chi, yoga, or meditation to help relieve some stress.
4. Time of day. People report brain fog being especially bad in the morning. Just like your muscles being stiffer in the AM, your brain may need time to warm up. If you need to function first thing in the morning, you can try getting everything ready the night before including what you are going to wear and eat.
5. Choose a time. We all have certain times when we feel more alert. When your concentration is at its highest, that’s a good time to tackle difficult and complex tasks.
6. Take a break. If you are working on your computer (which was one of the tasks reported to be the most frustrating, reading was another), take a quick break. Changing the focus to something else can be helpful. The task you switch to should be a simple and familiar one. Switching a mental task to a physical one can really provide a boost to your brain. If you are able, get up and do squats, jumping jacks, or lift weights.
7. Exercise your brain. It’s a muscle, and you have to use it. Try puzzles or games. If the puzzles you are doing are now frustrating, try easier ones. Don’t quit.
8. Write it down. This is a tip for all busy people, but it works even if you have plenty of time. The more things you have bouncing around in your head, the fuzzier your thoughts will be.
9. Drumming is good for foggy brain. The rhythm is innate in us. We first heard the rhythm of our mother’s heart before we were born. Check out last week’s blog on the benefits of drumming.
10. Check with your doctor. Your brain fog may be a side effect of a medication you’re taking.

And here is an 11th bonus tip that’s just as important: HYDRATION! Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to combat brain fog. Check out my blog post to learn how much water you should be drinking each day and more tips for staying hydrated: Tips for Brain Fog and Parkinson’s.

💜 Coach Kimberly