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Clearing the Fog: Understanding, Measuring, and Managing Brain Fog Through Nutrition

Monday, October 26, 2026

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Stars at Night B2/B3

CPE: 1.5

Proficiency: Intermediate knowledge/experience

Track: Behavioral & Mental Health

Theme: Clinical Updates & Evolving Practice

Description

Chronic neuroinflammation is implicated in the propagation of 'brain fog', a colloquial term used to describe a heterogeneous set of cognitive issues, including brain-based fatigue, effortful cognition, poor focus, and forgetfulness. Complaints of brain fog and other cognitive inefficiencies have increased in frequency in a wide range of seemingly unrelated neurological and psychiatric conditions, including multiple sclerosis, lupus, long COVID, and depression, among others. Although the impact of brain fog on cognition is typically of low severity, the impact on daily functioning, work capacity, and quality of life can be devastating, considering it can affect individuals of workforce age. Additionally, patients with brain fog symptoms can burden on the medical system through increased healthcare utilization. Brain fog can be triggered or exacerbated by a myriad of physical, lifestyle, and behavioral issues, including poor diet. Recent evidence suggests that nutrition interventions aimed at addressing the underlying drivers of neuroinflammation can reduce brain fog and improve cognitive outcomes. In this session, experts will discuss a possible consensus operational definition, the objective measurement, and use of evidence-based nutritional interventions for the treatment of ‘brain fog’. Participants will come away with specific tools and recommendations for patients and clients.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the concept of ‘brain fog’ as operationalized in research and treated in practice.
  • Identify validated assessment tools and measures used to evaluate 'brain fog’ and determine treatment efficacy.
  • Apply evidence-based nutrition interventions to provide practical recommendations for patients and clients experiencing 'brain fog'.

Performance Indicators

  • 5.1.2 Interprets and integrates evidence-based research and literature in decision making.
  • 5.2.6 Integrates relevant information with previous learning, experience, professional knowledge, and current practice models.
  • 12.2.5 Reviews and evaluates science and evidence-based literature to validate claims.

Speakers

  • Kristine Lokken photo

    Kristine Lokken

    Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology; Neuropsychologist, University of Alabama

    Dr. Kristine Lokken is a Professor, Neuropsychologist, and Director of the UAB Precision Brain Health Service and the Post-COVID Neuropsychology Clinic in the UAB Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology. She currently serves as President (2025-2026) of the Alabama Psychological Association (aPA). She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Dakota with specializations in Neuropsychology and Health Psychology and has served in a variety of career sectors throughout her career.
  • Lina Begdache photo

    Lina Begdache

    Associate Professor, Binghamton University

    Dr. Lina Begdache is an Associate Professor in the Health and Wellness Studies Department at Binghamton University, NY. She earned her Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology with a concentration in Neuroscience from Binghamton University and a Master’s degree in Nutrition Sciences from the University at Buffalo, NY. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Nutrition Specialist Scholar, Certified Dietitian Nutritionist, and Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr. Begdache’s research centers on how diet, lifestyle, and neurobiology interact to influence mental health, cognition, and resilience across the lifespan.She is the founder of the B-SMART and B-MINDS research groups, which explore nutritional neuroscience and the role of dietary patterns in brain function and mood regulation. Beyond academia, Dr. Begdache is a speaker, author, and media contributor, sharing evidence-based insights on nutrition, brain health, and neurobehavioral wellness with both scientific and public audiences.

Moderator

  • Jennifer Bean photo

    Jennifer Bean

    Health and Mental Health Fellow, MOST Policy Initiative

    Dr. Jennifer Bean is a scientist and health policy expert focused on the translation of scientific evidence into public health policy and regulatory frameworks. She currently serves as a Health and Mental Health Policy Fellow with the MOST Policy Initiative, where she provides nonpartisan research services and science communication for the Missouri General Assembly. Dr. Bean’s background includes over a decade in academic program administration and clinical dietetics, specializing in medical nutrition therapy and biomedical research. As a former program director, she has extensive experience managing a nationally accredited program and navigating complex regulatory standards. Her current work centers on synthesizing technical data into actionable briefing materials to support evidence-based decision-making in chronic disease prevention and health equity.

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