Skip to main content

Cognitive Fragmentation

Meaning

Cognitive Fragmentation describes a state of diminished mental coherence and an inability to sustain focused attention, clinically characterized by a pervasive sense of distraction, profound difficulty maintaining a single, sequential train of thought, and a reduced depth of cognitive processing. This common clinical phenomenon reflects an underlying neurobiological state where attentional resources are excessively divided and scattered, severely impairing the brain’s ability to engage in demanding, deep work. It is frequently reported by patients as debilitating “brain fog” or a significant, frustrating reduction in mental efficiency.