Glymphatic system dysfunction associated with cognitive impairment in chronic tinnitus patients
Tinnitus brain fog refers to the cognitive difficulties often reported by tinnitus sufferers, such as memory issues and slower information processing. Research shows that these impairments correlate with tinnitus intensity, highlighting a measurable connection.
The glymphatic system, the brain's waste-clearing mechanism, plays a key role in maintaining cognitive health. A recent study found that chronic tinnitus patients exhibit glymphatic dysfunction, which parallels their cognitive challenges.
To address this, circadian-based interventions like melatonin, sleep hygiene, morning blue light therapy, and evening blue-blocking glasses may help optimize glymphatic function, offering a potential pathway to relief.
HERE is the study, from 09/24, showing the associations between chronic tinnitus, glymphatic dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. HERE is the study on circadian therapy protocols for glymphatic dysfunction (originally developed for traumatic brain injury).