How to Remove Brain Fog When You Have RA

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Brain Fog

How to remove brain fog when you have RA? Let's get into it.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often associated with swollen joints and physical pain. But for many, one of the most frustrating symptoms isn’t physical—it’s cognitive. 

A growing number of people with RA describe a kind of mental haze: trouble concentrating, memory slips, and a general feeling of fogginess, which is often referred to as "brain fog."

It’s not an official diagnosis. But for people living with RA, it’s a daily disruption that can affect everything from work to social interaction. As researchers have begun to take these cognitive complaints more seriously, we’re starting to better understand what may be causing them—and more importantly, how to reduce brain fog.

Brain Fog Symptoms in RA

RA-related brain fog doesn’t look the same for everyone which is why everyone who suffers from it keeps asking how to remove brain fog when you suffer from chron.c pain  But these are among the most frequently reported cognitive symptoms:

- Forgetting names, conversations, or appointments

- Difficulty focusing or absorbing information

- Losing one’s train of thought mid-sentence

- Mental sluggishness or confusion

- Word-finding issues

- Feeling detached or mentally “offline”

On bad days, these symptoms can interfere with simple tasks: paying bills, remembering medication, or even holding a conversation. Studies estimate that anywhere from 30% to 70% of people with RA may experience these cognitive disruptions.

What Causes Brain Fog in RA?

There’s no single explanation. However, researchers believe it’s a combination of RA-related factors that affect how the brain functions:

1. Chronic inflammation. The same immune activity that damages joints can also affect the brain. Inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha may interfere with how neurons communicate.

2. Pain overload. Chronic pain competes for mental bandwidth. It draws attention away from cognitive tasks, and over time, pain itself can reshape how the brain processes information.

3. Sleep problems. RA often leads to poor sleep due to pain and discomfort. Sleep deprivation alone can impair memory, focus, and decision-making.

4. Fatigue. RA-related fatigue isn’t just physical. It’s also cognitive. It can slow down thinking and make it harder to stay mentally sharp.

5. Depression and anxiety. Mood disorders, common in RA, have overlapping symptoms with brain fog. Both can make it harder to concentrate, remember, or make decisions.

6. Medication side effects. Certain RA drugs—especially methotrexate and corticosteroids—have been linked to short-term cognitive issues in some patients.

7. Reduced blood flow to the brain. RA increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Narrowed or damaged arteries can impair blood flow to the brain, contributing to cognitive problems.

8. Lifestyle impact. Less physical activity, increased stress, and social withdrawal due to chronic illness can all weigh on brain function.

The Role of RA Medications

RA treatment is a balancing act. While medications like methotrexate may cause a temporary mental “hangover,” they also reduce inflammation—and long-term, that’s protective for brain health. Biologics, which target specific immune responses, may even improve brain fog for some by lowering overall disease activity. But corticosteroids, particularly at high doses, are well known to disrupt sleep, mood, and thinking.

It’s worth tracking how you feel cognitively after taking each medication. If something feels off, speak with your doctor about timing, dosage, or alternative treatment options.

Brain Fog Test: A Self-Check Tool

Use this 10-point test to evaluate whether you might be experiencing brain fog. This isn’t a diagnostic tool—but it can help you bring up symptoms during your next medical appointment.

Score each statement 0 (Never), 1 (Sometimes), or 2 (Often):

1. I forget why I walked into a room or lose track of tasks

2. I lose my train of thought during conversations

3. I struggle to recall familiar words or names

4. I feel mentally sluggish or foggy

5. I re-read things multiple times without absorbing them

6. I feel overwhelmed by basic daily tasks

7. I space out or feel mentally disconnected

8. I have trouble focusing, even when trying

9. I feel mentally tired even when physically rested

10. I make unusual mistakes or forget appointments

Scoring:

0–6: Minimal symptoms

7–13: Mild to moderate symptoms

14–20: Significant brain fog. Bring this up with your doctor.

Disclaimer: This test is for self-awareness only. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool.

How to Reduce Brain Fog

If you want to know how to remove brain fog, certain lifestyle adjustments and treatment strategies have been shown to help braing fog:

Treat RA effectively. Disease control reduces inflammation—and often lifts the fog. If your RA is not well-controlled, brain fog may persist.

Revisit medications. Track when your symptoms flare and which meds might be contributing. Adjusting the dose or timing can sometimes help.

Prioritize sleep. Consistent, quality sleep is one of the strongest ways to support brain function. Address pain that wakes you up. Use routines to wind down.

Move more. Low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or stretching increases circulation and improves mental clarity.

Eat brain-healthy foods. Anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3s, leafy greens, berries, and whole grains support cognitive health.

Address mental health. Anxiety and depression worsen brain fog. Don’t ignore them. Talk therapy or medication may be necessary.

Use reminders. Offload memory tasks onto apps, calendars, or physical notes. Structure helps free up mental space.

Build in rest. Don’t try to power through every task. Take mental breaks. Use the time of day you feel most clear to tackle harder tasks.

Train your brain. Puzzles, memory games, and reading can help sharpen cognitive skills.

Lean on support. Let people close to you know what’s going on. Support groups can also be helpful for tips—and reassurance.

Can Supplements Help with Brain Fog?

While supplements are not a cure, some may support cognitive function when used alongside medical treatment. Here are a few that have been studied for brain health and inflammation:

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil): Shown to reduce inflammation and may support memory and mental clarity.

Vitamin D: Many people with RA have low vitamin D levels, which are linked to fatigue and cognitive issues.

Vitamin B12: A deficiency in B12 can lead to memory problems and mental sluggishness.

Magnesium: Important for nerve function and may help with sleep and mood, both of which influence brain fog. 

Turmeric/Curcumin: Has anti-inflammatory properties and some small studies suggest it may benefit cognition.

CoQ10: A mitochondrial support supplement sometimes used to reduce fatigue and brain fog symptoms.

It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement—especially if you’re on RA medications that may interact. Blood tests can also help identify if you’re deficient in any nutrients, which can be corrected more precisely.

If used appropriately, supplements may complement your existing treatment plan and offer some relief from cognitive symptoms.

The goal is to address both the RA itself and any contributing factors—pain, sleep issues, medications, mood disorders, or inactivity. Treating brain fog means treating your whole self.

For example, the clearer your RA is under control, the less inflammation your brain is dealing with. Biologics and other RA medications that calm inflammation can indirectly help with mental clarity. Additionally, if you suspect certain medications (like methotrexate or corticosteroids) are making your thinking worse, talk to your doctor about alternatives or adjustments.

Poor sleep is a major driver of brain fog. Work on improving sleep hygiene, managing nighttime pain, and treating underlying issues like insomnia or sleep apnea. And make an effort to support mental health. Depression and anxiety worsen cognitive symptoms. Therapy, mindfulness, and, when needed, medication can all make a difference.

If brain fog is affecting your ability to function, speak up. Your doctor might recommend a cognitive screening, blood work to rule out vitamin deficiencies, or refer you to a neurologist if needed. Treating brain fog is about narrowing down the contributors and tackling them systematically.

Medical Perspective: Evolving but Acknowledged

Most rheumatologists now accept that cognitive symptoms are a real concern for RA patients. While there’s still debate about the root cause, there’s growing agreement that inflammation, mood disorders, medication, and lifestyle all play a role. And that means there are ways to intervene.

Research is ongoing, but current findings point toward inflammation, pain, and mood as the biggest players in RA brain fog. Studies using cognitive testing show measurable deficits in attention, memory, and executive function among people with RA. High CRP and IL-6 levels (markers of inflammation) are strongly linked to worse cognitive performance.

Final Word

RA brain fog is real. It might not show up in a blood test or X-ray, but for many, it’s one of the hardest parts of the disease. The good news: there are ways to lift the fog. It takes attention, consistency, and a willingness to speak up about your symptoms. You don’t have to accept mental cloudiness as your new normal.If you’re experiencing cognitive issues, you don’t have to live with it quietly. More doctors are open to talking about brain fog—and that conversation is worth having.