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Neuro-Inflammation Cognitive Function

Meaning

This clinical term describes the detrimental impact of chronic, low-grade, non-infectious inflammatory processes within the central nervous system on an individual’s higher-level mental abilities, such as memory, processing speed, and executive function. Neuro-inflammation, often driven by systemic inflammation or HPA axis dysregulation, activates resident glial cells, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that disrupt synaptic plasticity and neuronal communication. This process is a key underlying cause of cognitive decline and the subjective feeling of “brain fog.”