Brain Fog & Inflammation—Is It Time to Test?
Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why? Or reread the same email three times before it finally sticks? If you’re a man over 40, you might be chalking these lapses up to “just aging”—but there's often more going on beneath the surface.
At Empowered Health, we see brain fog as an important early warning sign. It’s not just about being tired or distracted. Often, it’s the body’s way of signaling inflammation, hormonal imbalance, or nutrient deficiencies—all of which can be measured and managed.
Let’s unpack what’s happening, how we evaluate it, and what you can do starting today.
What Is Brain Fog?
Brain fog isn’t a formal diagnosis, but it’s a very real—and very frustrating—experience. Most patients describe it like this:
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Trouble focusing or completing tasks
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Forgetting names, appointments, or common words
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Feeling mentally “slow” or stuck in a haze
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Reduced motivation or drive
The Role of Inflammation
One of the first things we check when a patient reports brain fog is hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). This marker tells us if low-level inflammation is present, even before other symptoms arise.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to:
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Slower neural processing
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Increased risk of Alzheimer’s
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Hormone disruption (including testosterone suppression)
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Poor memory formation and recall
🧮 Brain Fog Risk Calculator
Use this tool to assess your risk of brain fog due to inflammation, hormones, and lifestyle factors.
Assign yourself 1 point for each item below that applies to you:
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☐ I’ve been struggling with focus or mental clarity.
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☐ I have trouble remembering words or appointments.
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☐ I often wake up feeling unrefreshed.
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☐ I eat fast food or processed meals multiple times per week.
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☐ I get less than 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
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☐ I’ve never had my testosterone or hs-CRP tested.
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☐ I feel less motivated than I used to.
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☐ I experience chronic stress with little time to recover.
➤ Score Interpretation:
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0–2 points: Low risk, but consider lab testing for early optimization.
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3–5 points: Moderate risk. Your lifestyle and potential hormonal/inflammatory patterns may be contributing to brain fog.
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6–8 points: High risk. Comprehensive testing is highly recommended to uncover and treat the root cause.
What We Test at Empowered Health
Every new male member at Empowered Health undergoes an advanced lab panel including:
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hs-CRP
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Free & total testosterone
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DHEA
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SHBG
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Estradiol
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Fasting insulin
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Nutrient markers (B12, magnesium, omega-3s)
We also screen for thyroid function and sleep quality, both of which significantly impact cognitive health.
Local Brain + Hormone Support: What You Can Do Now
Here in the Tri-Cities, you're surrounded by great ways to support both your brain and hormones:
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Nature walks on the Badger Mountain Trail—boosts endorphins and blood flow to the brain
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Healthy brain foods at Yoke’s Fresh Market—look for berries, walnuts, leafy greens, wild salmon
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Classes at Mindful Body in Richland—yoga and breathwork reduce cortisol and boost oxygen to the brain
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Local floating therapy sessions at Drift Float Spa—shown to reduce stress and support mental clarity
Patient Story
One of our members, a 49-year-old business owner from Kennewick, came in complaining of mental burnout and forgetfulness. After lab testing, we found elevated hs-CRP and low DHEA. With targeted interventions—including hormone support, nutrition changes, and anti-inflammatory supplements—his clarity and focus returned within weeks. He’s now running his company with renewed energy.
Ready to Clear the Fog?
Whether you're just beginning to notice lapses in memory or you’ve been feeling foggy for months, we’re here to help.
📞 Your journey starts with a personalized inquiry call and a 90-minute first visit. From there, we test—not guess—so we can create a plan designed for your brain, your body, and your goals.
Don’t settle for feeling 80%. You deserve clarity, focus, and vitality at every age.
Paul Monié, MD, FAAFP, MPH
Why Empowered Health.
Time between patient and physician is dictated increasingly by the health system and insurance reimbursement. At Empowered Health, we take a membership approach to primary care in Tri-Cities that challenges the standard healthcare model.
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