Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe

Brain fog is linked with inflammation in our body

London | ByIndo Asian News Service
Nov 24, 2019 11:03 AM IST

Scientists have long suspected a link between inflammation and cognition, but it is very difficult to be clear about the cause and effect.

Scientists have uncovered a possible explanation for the mental sluggishness or mental fatigue that often accompanies illness.

A team at the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Human Brain Health investigated the link between the mental fog and inflammation -- the body’s response to illness.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

In a study published in Neuroimage, the team in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam showed that inflammation appears to have a particular negative impact on the brain’s readiness to reach and maintain an alert state.

Scientists have long suspected a link between inflammation and cognition, but it is very difficult to be clear about the cause and effect.

ALSO READ: Zoned out/clouded? Snap the fog out of it

“For example, people living with a medical condition or being very overweight might complain of cognitive impairment, but it’s hard to tell if that’s due to the inflammation associated with these conditions or if there are other reasons,” said senior study author Dr Ali Mazaheri from University of Birmingham.

The study focused specifically on an area of the brain that is responsible for visual attention.

A group of 20 young male volunteers took part and received a salmonella typhoid vaccine that causes temporary inflammation but has few other side effects.

Brain activity was measured while they performed the attention tests.

On a different day, either before or after, they received an injection with water (a placebo) and did the same attention tests.

On each test day, they were unaware of which injection they had received.

ALSO READ: 7 foods that boost your focus, concentration and memory

The results showed that inflammation specifically affected brain activity related to staying alert, while the other attention processes appeared unaffected by inflammation.

“This research finding is major step forward in understanding the links between physical, cognitive, and mental health and tells us that even the mildest of illnesses may reduce alertness,” noted Professor Jane Raymond.

The next step for the team will be to test the effects of inflammation on other areas of brain function such as memory.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)

Explore the art deco structures of Mumbai through a heritage walk with HT! Participate now.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
OPEN APP