Brain Fog – A Frequent, Worrying, and Undertreated Symptom of Lupus in Patient Experience
June 2025
in “
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
”
TLDR Brain fog in lupus is common, worrying, and often not treated properly.
A study conducted by Lupus Europe surveyed 3,848 European SLE patients to assess the frequency and impact of brain fog as a symptom of lupus. The results showed that 41.7% of participants experienced brain fog, making it the 11th most common symptom attributed to lupus. Despite its prevalence, brain fog was identified as the 5th most worrying symptom and the 4th least addressed in treatment plans. The study highlights the need for better understanding and management of brain fog to improve care for lupus patients. The symptom was more frequently reported in Central Western Europe and less so in Ex-Eastern European countries.
