Whether you call it fibro fog, brain fog, cognitive dysfunction, or “wow, I feel stupid today,” the loss of brain function we experience with fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) can be just as debilitating as our pain and fatigue. But what can you do about it?
We don’t know a lot about our cognitive dysfunction (big surprise), but researchers are learning more about how the brain functions, malfunctions and ages. And it seems like every time I read about some new discovery, it shows the benefits of cognitive training.
My mother always used to say, “The brain is like a muscle — if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.” Apparently, she was more right than she could have known. Research on the aging brain, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s all shows that using the brain in certain ways improves cognitive function. We have evidence that part of the problem in FMS is premature brain aging and gray-matter loss, and cognitive training is showing a lot of promise — for slowing, stopping, and even reversing these problems. It’s also being used to combat learning disorders, and what we call fibro fog may actually be several distinct learning disorders (such as dysphasia and dyscalculia.)
Some doctors, especially neuropsychologists, are setting up programs for their patients with cognitive problems. Frequently, it involves computer software that you use from home. However, you can also do some of this work on your own.
Research does show that playing computer games can actually improve brain function. Some websites and even the Nintendo DS game system are now offering games specifically aimed at improving cognitive function. It’s worked for me — early on in my fibro life, I turned to online computer games to fill the copious amounts of time I spent on the couch. I firmly believe that Sudoku kept my logic skills from degrading. Later, Boggle seemed to help with word retrieval. More recently, I’ve used Tetris and a bouncing-ball game called Oooze to improve my spacial abilities. All of these games have helped me pick up my mental speed. I do still have fibro fog issues, but they’re nowhere as severe as they used to be. And if I notice I’m backsliding in a particular area, I go back to the game that helped before — and I’ve found that it gets me back on track.
Have you used cognitive training, either through a treatment program or on your own? What was the result? What kinds of games and activities have helped you regain your cognitive function? Leave your comments below!
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Exercising Your Brain With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome originally appeared on About.com Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 06:00:15.
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