Digital Approaches for Managing Brain Fog in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Interventions, Monitoring, and Future Directions

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Authors: Diāna Arāja, Modra Murovska, Angelika Krumina, Ajándék Eőry, Uldis Berķis
Cited by: 1
References: 38

Abstract

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a high-burden, under-researched condition characterized by heterogeneous and fluctuating symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction commonly described by patients as "brain fog". Despite growing interest in digital health technologies for symptom monitoring and personalized care, their application to the assessment and management of cognitive dysfunction in ME/CFS remains unclear. This descriptive review aimed to examine the current scientific evidence on digital approaches related to brain fog in ME/CFS. A structured literature search following PRISMA guidance was conducted to identify relevant studies. The available literature remains limited in scope and methodological maturity. During synthesizing across studies, three main functional domains of digital application become apparent: (1) digital tools for cognitive assessment, which have the strongest evidence base; (2) digital platforms for longitudinal monitoring; and (3) digitally mediated interventions or rehabilitation approaches, both of which are less well studied. Simultaneously, the findings suggest that patient-reported brain fog may represent a visible component of the broader ME/CFS disease spectrum and could serve as an early clinical indicator guiding diagnosis and management. Interpreting these symptoms within a biopsychosocial framework may facilitate understanding of the complex nature of the disease and optimize the use of digital technologies for monitoring cognitive dysfunction and supporting patient-centered care in ME/CFS.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies Genetic Neurodegenerative Diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
Life
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
16
Issue
4
Pages
571–571
Publication date
1 April 2026
Language
EN