Celiac Disease Symptoms: Brain Fog

What is Brain Fog?

Brain fog can be described as a state of being excessively “spaced out” or an inability to concentrate or remember simple things due to gluten ingestion. Some may refer to it as mental fatigue, forgetfulness, grogginess, being detached, or mental confusion.

What is the Connection Between Celiac Disease and Brain Fog?

Gluten-induced neurocognitive impairment, also known as “brain fog” or “celiac fog,” is a symptom in many with celiac disease and gluten-related disorders. Brain fog is a symptom that gets a lot of attention in the celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) communities, but not as much attention from researchers. In a Beyond Celiac study, 90 percent of survey participants (89% of those with celiac disease and 95% of those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity) reported experiencing brain fog. This, among other research, suggests it is one of the most common symptoms of celiac disease and NCGS.

The most commonly chosen descriptors of brain fog were difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and grogginess. The graph below shows the percentage of each participant type who chose each descriptor. These descriptors may help healthcare providers recognize that patients who use these words to describe symptoms may be experiencing brain fog.

A study of the neurological and neuropsychological effects of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity from researchers at the University of Sheffield concluded that patients with celiac disease “had cognitive deficit, worsened mental health and white matter changes based on analysis of brain images.”

On a strict gluten-free diet, many people with celiac disease or NCGS no longer experience brain fog, but further research is needed.

Where Can I Learn More?

How Do People with Celiac Disease Experience Brain Fog?

My son thought I was getting dementia before I was diagnosed with celiac. Eliminating gluten has certainly helped, but I find that the smallest amount of accidental gluten can lead to brain fog and I’m not always sure what happened. I feel so ashamed when I have these episodes.

–

Ellie

Tucson AZ

While fatigue was a major symptom I suffered from, brain fog was the worst one for me. I couldn’t remember what I did the day before, what day of the week it was, or do anything without my husband reminding me. It was even more difficult as we had small children at the time as well.

–

Tiffani

Brain fog is a newer symptom I have been experiencing for the last few years due to celiac disease. When I first started experiencing more neurological symptoms, it was scary not knowing what was going on with my own body. I felt at times that I was not myself and that was a frightening experience.

–

United States

How Do You Experience Brain Fog?

At Beyond Celiac, we’re collecting real stories from people living with celiac disease to highlight how symptoms affect everyday life.

Your experience with brain fog can help others feel seen, understood, and empowered. We only share first names or initials to protect your privacy. These stories raise awareness and help others recognize how celiac disease shows up in different ways.

Use the form below to share your experiences with celiac disease and brain fog.

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