“Brain fog” is a general term used to describe cognitive symptoms such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and mental fatigue. While the exact mechanisms by which mold and its mycotoxins cause brain fog are not fully understood, it is believed that exposure to these toxins can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, including the brain. Furthermore, mycotoxins like trichothecenes can disrupt neurotransmitter function and interfere with communication between nerve cells in the brain. This disruption can lead to cognitive impairment.
For a long time now, mycotoxins were believed to be THE cause of various adverse effects on human health, including neurological symptoms. When neuroscientist Cheryl Harding set out to prove it with her study of mold exposure on the brain of mice, what she discovered was unexpected: Even when mycotoxins were removed and mice were exposed to spores only, neurological symptoms still occurred! This challenges what scientists have believed for decades: that mycotoxins were the culprit.
Harding exposed mice 3 times a week for 6 weeks to Stachybotrys (aka “Toxic Black Mold”) OR to Stachybotrys spores with the toxins removed. Both sets of mice experienced brain inflammation, damage to brain cells, and worsening of memory. Some of the subjects exhibited behavior indicative of anxiety and overall sickness.
When the brain tissue was later examined, Harding noted a type of inflammation called innate immune activation and this was present in BOTH treatment groups, proof that even without the toxins, this mold was able to injure the immune system which then spread inflammation to the brain.
The memory part of the brain tissue also showed an increase in the brain immune cell that releases cytokines into the Central Nervous System (CNS) which, according to Harding, explained the mice “sickness behavior” of fatigue, pain and social withdrawal. 1
The results of another study published in 2020 showed that symptoms of the central or peripheral nervous system were more common among participants of the study who were exposed to mold vs. control participants who were not exposed, that is 81 vs 11% . Fatigue was reported in 77 vs. 24% and “brain fog” was prevalent in 62 vs 11% of the study participants.2
It’s important to note that while this evidence suggests a definite link between mold exposure and cognitive symptoms like brain fog, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved and to establish a definitive causal relationships.
If you suspect that mold exposure is affecting your health, it’s advisable to consult with a mold-literate healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management. A list of mold-literate docs is available on the IET website.