Validation and standardization of the Brain Fog Scale (BFS) in the U.S. general population

<p dir="ltr">The aim of the present study was to conduct the first validation of the English version of the Brain Fog Scale (BFS) and to provide normative data. Using a cross-sectional study design, we collected online survey data among a representative sample of 2005 community-based adults from all U.S. states (M age = 45.81, SD = 15.86, Median = 47; 50.8 % female). The results demonstrate that the BFS is a reliable and valid measure of brain fog with excellent psychometric properties. Based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results, the scale scores are best captured by three correlated factors labelled: mental fatigue, impaired cognitive acuity, and confusion. BFS total scores were significantly associated with physical fatigue, mental fatigue, mental distress, stress, and sleep disturbance, providing evidence for the BFS construct validity. BFS scores were also correlated with certain socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors, such as age, sex, global health status, alcohol abuse, pain/sleep medication intake, physical activity, and sugar consumption. The BFS can be used in clinical settings as a screening tool for a subjective mild cognitive decline and in clinical trials as an outcome measure.</p>