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Memory loss

Posted , 13 users are following.

glenys63516
glenys63516

Hi  This is my first posting on the forum. I was diagnosed with PMR exactly one year ago. Started on 30mgs Prednisolone and quite quickly got down to 12.5mgs, then had a flare after falling and bruising my ribs. Had to increase dose to 17.5mgs. Eventually got down to 7.5mgs but felt VERY tired and irritable so went back up to 10mgs. My GP is very good and lets me work out my own dosage. I am now on 9mgs doing the DS&S taper. My main problem concerns my memory. I've always had a good one but recently I struggle to remember and have to write things down or ask my husband to remind me. I also do stupid things. I've left the front door key in the lock on 3 occasions, once overnight!!. I've read on this forum about brain fog. Is this what I am suffering from? I'm getting quite worried! Perhaps someone could enlighten me. Many thanks

 

3 likes, 16 replies

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  • carolk
    carolk glenys63516

    Posted

    i am a great believer in when in doubt check it out ,so go to see gp,however people can get vague on steroids but its important to talk to gp carolk
  • Guest
    Guest glenys63516

    Posted

    I have found two issues have been a concern: just general brain fog and also less sharp brain activity due to my age. I cannot pinpoint which is related to long term heavy doses of pred and which is related to my age! In the meanwhile, if you live with someone, have them check the door at night!! Ann11195
    • glenys63516
      glenys63516 Guest

      Posted

      Many thanks for your reply. Have just noticed where I have to press to send an answer to you. I am 73 years old and am under quite a lot of stress at the moment which may be a contributory factor so I'll just live with it for the time being and try not to worry.
    • Sheilamac_Fife
      Sheilamac_Fife glenys63516

      Posted

      I have the same problems! And I do not put it down to age, despite being almost 71. It's a bit variable and is definitely worse when there is any stress. Brain fog! In the earlier days I could almost see the fog as I struggled to see the words or facts through it! I am certainly better since I accepted the brain fog and some of the other side effects and stopped stressing about it all. i am of course hoping that this will improve as the Prednisolone decreases. I am at approx 5.75 at the moment using the DSNS method. I have been on steroids since July 2014 and apart from the weight gain, moon face, dense brain and breathlessness, fatigue is my main problem. I am going slow hoping that my adrenal system will kick in soon. Some things have gone, the sweats, the red face, the dry patches on my enormous face are going, the indigestion didn't last long and hasn't been a problem for months. I believe that acceptance and working around my fatigue is helping me. I no longer fight it. Sometimes I only need a 10 minute sleep, other times a lot longer.... Usually my brain benefits from the rest too.
    • glenys63516
      glenys63516 Sheilamac_Fife

      Posted

      Thanks for your interesting reply. I too suffer greatly with fatigue and with two lively young grandchildren to help look after it can be difficult at times. I also have the hot flushes, red face dry skin and hair , but thankfully no weight gain. (I should count my blessings!) it is so reassuring to read about other peoples' experiences. I will try not to worry about the brain fog now. I hope you will continue to improve and can soon get off the the steroids
  • tina-uk_cwall
    tina-uk_cwall glenys63516

    Posted

    Yes, although preds can cause brain fog, I agree with carol, go and see your GP, especially as they sound very approachable. All the best, tina
  • karenjaninaz
    karenjaninaz glenys63516

    Posted

    What other medications are you taking -if any?

    Specific medications which hurt memory are: alprazolam, diazepam, ambien, lunesta, ativan and sonata.

    a check up with your doctor is in order. Not every problem is caused by pred.

    i once was talking to a lady when I was in hospital. I could swear she had dementia by her behavior. She told me she took a sleeping pill for pain- that never works. The next night she took acetaminophen and sounded normal the next day.

  • glenys63516
    glenys63516

    Posted

    Thanks for your replies. I don't take any other medication apart from Amlodipine for BP which is under control. I am 73 years old so perhaps should expect some memory loss now
    • Anhaga
      Anhaga glenys63516

      Posted

      The best thing to do for your brain, no matter what is causing the brain fog, is the same as what's good for your heart: healthy diet and appropriate exercise.  I have to say I've forever been "losing" my keys and generally forgetting things, so I can't blame age or pred.  Although perhaps now I can use them as excuses!
    • glenys63516
      glenys63516 Anhaga

      Posted

      Thanks for reassuring reply. Glad to know I'm not the only one with memory problems. Will take on board your advice about more exercise and diet!
  • Oregonjohn-UK
    Oregonjohn-UK glenys63516

    Posted

    Glenys - I had brain fog and it does improve as you get lower, so there is hope in sight.
    • Mrs_CJ
      Mrs_CJ glenys63516

      Posted

      I've had PMR for 3 1/2 years now. I used to have a really organized logical brain but the prednisone has really effected me and have had lots of brain fog.  Keeping lots of lists helps keep my days organized.

       The good news is that I can notice an improvement as my Pred dose comes down.  Am currently at 3 3/4 and can't wait to get lower (yes I know, must be patient)wink

  • julian.
    julian. glenys63516

    Posted

    at anything above 10mg/day I had "brain fog" which manifested itself as difficulty solving even simple problems, and difficulty concentrating. Also had short term memory problems, something I read at the top of the page I'd forgotten by the bottom. The two went together and my mind would drift. Also "pred high" which made everything in life humourous and connected in odd ways.

    Mostly returned to normal now at 3mg/day. Though of course I'm older now. Progressively I've got to the stage where I can start doing something in the morning, become successively distracted,by other things, and get to the end of the day not having done the first thing. I've started keeping lists.

    • glenys63516
      glenys63516 julian.

      Posted

      Thanks for your helpful reply. Distraction is my downfall too. I go to do something and somebody speaks to me and I completely forget what I was going to do or when having a conversation somebody interrupts me I then lose my train of thought! Very embarrassing!
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