foggy brain, memory loss

Posted , 9 users are following.

Had pmr 1 year am down to 3 mg pred a day so thought foggy brain would let up but is  not. I start to talk and really have to rethink what I want to say so it comes out alright. Also am on methotrexate 6 pills once a week. Could be I am 71 years old but had no problem with brain until pmr entered my life with a bang. Gettinr scared it is not the pmr or pred and I entering another sickness like alzheimers. Any answers out there would appreciate and thanks for this site. it is great and comforting.

3 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Marilyn - you are not alone 'brain fog' is one of the 'club' I didn't want to join but had no choice.

     

  • Posted

    Marilyn, so many of us have complained about brain fog whilst on steroids that we could probably set up a discussion forum on that subject alone!  It should improve the lower you get on the dose, but you are taking Methotrexate as well so perhaps that can also be a contributing factor.  I was out with a friend today who said she is getting forgetful so is doing a daily crossword to keep her brain active.....and she has never been on steroids! 
  • Posted

    Unfortunately this is what happens to all of us as we age.  I'm 78 and

    getting forgetful.  I live with post it notes on the kitchen counter and

    a calendar to help remind me.  My husband is the same way.  What

    you have is probably just age related.   Alzheimer's is a whole different

    set of problems.   Relax and enjoy life and be grateful for every

    day that you're on the right side of the dirt!!!!

  • Posted

    Oops....forgot!   SEE?   Anyhow I too have PMR and am on

    l6 mg per day.  I had gotten down to as low as 4mg but had an

    awful sciatica episode and the sed rate jumped back up to 60 so

    had to increase dosage.  Sooooo not sure about pred causing

    brain fog as I'm sort of in that stage anyhow......

  • Posted

    Marlyn, I am experiencing all that you are describing!  What an interesting journey....
  • Posted

    I have just turned 60 and yes I too have started to loose my sharpness. I always was very quick thinking and it is very worrying how much this has changed over the last few months. I have been reducing my Pred. hoping my memory would improve, but not the case and have had to up the dose again due to pain. Yes I agree this site is so comforting, to know you are not alone in this but wish in some ways that others did not have to suffer x
  • Posted

    Are you also on a statin? I ask since in the UK everyone our age seems to be on statins! 

    If so, you are on 3 different medications that can lead to memory problems so I'd suggest it isn't entirely unconnected. Plus autoimmune disorders can cause brain fog so PMR itself can be a reason.

    Nevertheless - do check with your doctor because medication adjustment may help and any other cause should be ruled out.

    And one final suggestion - try drinking lots more fluids (other than alcohol!) because being dehydrated can affect memory badly and as we get older we get out of the habit of drinking so much for all sorts of reasons.

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