Understanding the Difference Between “Normal Forgetfulness” and Brain Fog

Everyone has off days. But when brain fog becomes daily—forgetting words, losing focus, or feeling mentally “slow”—it may reflect deeper neurological or metabolic imbalances.

At Sheen Vein Aesthetics and Functional Medicine, we view brain fog not as a diagnosis, but as a symptom of underlying dysfunction—often linked to inflammation, insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies, or early neurodegeneration.

The Hidden Causes of Brain Fog

• Insulin resistance: Impaired glucose delivery to neurons
• Mitochondrial dysfunction: Low cellular energy
• Chronic inflammation: Elevated cytokines damaging neurons
• Hormone imbalance: Low thyroid or sex hormones
• Toxin exposure: Heavy metals, mold, or plastics
• Sleep apnea: Oxygen deprivation at night

Left unaddressed, these same processes can lead to Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia over time.

How We Evaluate Cognitive Health

At Sheen Vein in St. Louis, our approach combines advanced lab testing and functional neurology. We may assess:

• Micronutrients (B12, D3, Omega-3)
• Oxidative stress and inflammation markers
• Cognitive screening and memory assessment
• Hormone and mitochondrial support

Supporting Brain Repair

Therapies we use to enhance cognitive performance:

• Red-light therapy with PEMF to boost mitochondrial function
• Nutrient protocols (Lion’s Mane, CoQ10, PQQ, magnesium L-threonate)
• Metabolic optimization for glucose and insulin sensitivity
• Sleep restoration and circadian rhythm alignment

The Bottom Line

Brain fog should never be dismissed as “just getting older.” It can be the first whisper of deeper dysfunction.

If you’ve noticed cognitive changes, fatigue, or forgetfulness, early intervention matters.

👉 Explore our Cognitive and Brain Health Programs and learn how functional medicine can slow or even reverse decline.

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