Brain Fog & Dementia: The Science on the Cognitive Impacts of Migraine
You are currently watching a preview of this interview. Unlock the full version by upgrading to an Access Pass bundle! Get FREE access to 8 expert interviews from Day 1 and Day 2 when you register today!
Key Questions
- How is “brain fog” experienced or defined?
- Which cognitive skills does migraine disease most commonly affect?
- Can stress or emotion affect cognitive performance?
- Do cognitive difficulties occur only during migraine attacks, or do they also appear between attacks?
- Is there evidence that having migraine disease increases the risk of dementia?
- Can medications used to treat migraine disease alter cognitive function?
- How do cognitive symptoms interfere with day-to-day functioning?
- Do cognitive symptoms improve when migraine disease is under control?
- What lifestyle habits help to protect brain health?
- Has cognitive rehabilitation been studied in people with migraine disease?
Interview Notes
- LinkedIn: Laura (Libby) Sebrow, PhD
- Study: “Cognition during ictal and interictal migraine phases: A pilot study using ecological momentary assessment”
- Study: “Migraine headache and risk of dementia in the atherosclerosis risk in communities neurocognitive study”
- Study: “Migraine is a risk factor for dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies”
- 2024 Migraine World Summit: Is Migraine Linked With Cognitive Decline or Dementia?
- YouTube: Serene Branson’s on-air scare
Treatments Mentioned
- Cognitive rehabilitation
- Cognitive stimulation
- Exercise
- Lasmiditan (Reyvow) *discontinued in 2025
- Sleep hygiene
- Social interaction
- Stress reduction
- Topiramate (Topamax)
Find 300+ treatments in our full Treatment Directory — available with a VIP Access Pass.
For additional links and resources, click here.
Disclaimer: The Migraine World Summit aims to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, free from bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan. Captions are auto-generated and may contain errors.
Laura (Libby) Sebrow, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Independent Clinical Practice
Dr. Laura (Libby) Sebrow earned her PhD in clinical psychology, with a health emphasis and a minor in clinical neuropsychology from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University. She is a graduate of Dr. Elizabeth Seng’s Headache and Adherence Lab and recently completed her clinical neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Neurology at North Shore University Hospital, Northwell Health.
As a clinical neuropsychologist, her clinical and research interests focus on integrating neuropsychology into headache care, with a particular emphasis on increasing understanding of cognitive functioning in migraine. She also serves as an assistant editor for Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain.
Go Beyond the Free Summit Interviews
- Full-length expert interviews beyond the 30-minute edits
- Revisit any 2026 session anytime
- Transcripts and audio downloads included
- Review insights before medical appointments
Related Talks for: Day 7 (2026)
Beyond Pills: Your Guide to Drug-Free Neuromodulation for Migraine
Stewart Tepper, MD, FAHS
How Behavioral Therapies Help Prevent & Manage Migraine
Paul R. Martin, PhD
Scents, Chemicals & the Migraine Brain
Gudrun Gossrau, MD
Migraine & Headache Australia is the only organization in Australia that has supported the more than 5 million Australians affected by headache and migraine for 20 years. Migraine & Headache Australia is a division of the Brain Foundation.
Migraine doesn't have to derail your career. Nearly every workplace in the country is impacted by migraine disease through absenteeism and presenteeism. Despite the prevalence of the disease, there is a lack of education and awareness around it. In the workplace, this often leads to unintended stigma and bias against employees living with migraine disease. Visit our website to learn more about programs available for both employees and employers.
If it feels like you’ve tried everything, there may still be options you haven’t explored. The Treatment Directory includes 300+ treatments, therapies, devices, and strategies discussed by MWS experts, updated each year. Available with the VIP Access Pass.
