Memory & Cognitive Problems

Hi @Former-Member

I'm sorry to hear you are suffering

Thought you might like to read this thread by @whatnow who also has difficulties with memory and concentration here;

http://www.saneforums.org/t5/Our-experience-stories/I-m-throwing-my-hands-in-the-air/m-p/64780/highlight/true#M11317

best wishes

Medication causes me memory problems. Not much I can do about it except if I went off the medication. Doing that would mean risking my health so I stay on it.

The way I've tried to deal with it is to write stuff down. I have a notepad, use wunderlist (look it up its great!), calendars (more than one based on personal/work).

Siri on iPhone is absolute god send. When I remember something I just 'hey siri' and set a reminder.

I've found these routines really help.

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@-karma- wrote:

Hi @Former-Member

I'm sorry to hear you are suffering

@Thought you might like to read this thread by @whatnow who also has difficulties with memory and concentration here;

http://www.saneforums.org/t5/Our-experience-stories/I-m-throwing-my-hands-in-the-air/m-p/64780/highlight/true#M11317

best wishes

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Hi @-karma-

Thank you for your message and sharing this link with me. Hope to do some more research and come up with a plan. I am very determine to get better, and actually to improve my memory and cognitive abilities. Hope you have a great day !

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@mrkotter wrote:

Medication causes me memory problems. Not much I can do about it except if I went off the medication. Doing that would mean risking my health so I stay on it.

The way I've tried to deal with it is to write stuff down. I have a notepad, use wunderlist (look it up its great!), calendars (more than one based on personal/work).

Siri on iPhone is absolute god send. When I remember something I just 'hey siri' and set a reminder.

I've found these routines really help.

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Hi @mrkotter

Thank you for your message and works of advice. I'll most definately look up the apps you have suggested. I think I will be talking over my concerns with my Dr next. In the meantime I am going to do a bit more research for myself.

For me the worst problem, and it has been particularly severe in the last three months, has been the almost complete collapse of my concentration. It is the devil's own job for me to finish reading a book, even one I am interested in, because my brain cannot recall what I have already read in the book's earlier parts.

This is why I am very reluctant to do what lots of people urge me to do (on job grounds), which is, to go back to attempt more education at a university or TAFE. When I have to deal with scalding anxiety almost all the time, the necessary brain-work involved with examining study texts is untenable for me.

Incidentally, medication does not seem to be involved in my case. I am taking only a very small amount of medication now (though I have taken it more copiously in the past), and I doubt if the very small amount I am currently taking would be causing memory and concentration problems. When I was on more medication, the memory and concentration problems were actually fewer.

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@Robertmelbourne wrote:

For me the worst problem, and it has been particularly severe in the last three months, has been the almost complete collapse of my concentration. It is the devil's own job for me to finish reading a book, even one I am interested in, because my brain cannot recall what I have already read in the book's earlier parts.

This is why I am very reluctant to do what lots of people urge me to do (on job grounds), which is, to go back to attempt more education at a university or TAFE. When I have to deal with scalding anxiety almost all the time, the necessary brain-work involved with examining study texts is untenable for me.

Incidentally, medication does not seem to be involved in my case. I am taking only a very small amount of medication now (though I have taken it more copiously in the past), and I doubt if the very small amount I am currently taking would be causing memory and concentration problems. When I was on more medication, the memory and concentration problems were actually fewer.

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Hi @Robertmelbourne

Your story really resonates with me and truly feel for you, and the impact this as on your life. I was thinking about going back to university but not sure at this stage.

I have heard of an app, I think its called Peak (Brain Games). Do you think your memory problem could be associated with anxiety & depression. I know anxiety plays a role and lack of sleep too. So many factors to consider, I thinks its quite a complex issue.

I'm just trying to work my way through it, the best way I can. I hope things improve for you.

It could well be the case that anxiety and depression, rather than any Alzheimer's-style organic damage, must take the blame for my very severe concentration problems. I do not drink (except a glass of champagne or light wine perhaps twice per year). Nor do I smoke or take illegal drugs. There is no physical condition which is likely to be causing my cognitive and concentration difficulties. I have never heard of Brain Games but shall consult the internet to find out more.

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@Robertmelbourne wrote:

It could well be the case that anxiety and depression, rather than any Alzheimer's-style organic damage, must take the blame for my very severe concentration problems.

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Yeah man, according to my psychiatrist this is exactly the case. Sucks big time.

Hi @Former-Member

I have memory and cognitive issues but not due to a Psychiatric disorder.

I'd suggest seeing a Neuropsychiatrist if you can find one.

I'd also suggest picking the doctors you see carefully as many (particularly Neurologists) will not take your symptoms seriously/dismiss them if you are a younger person (under 45) and you tell them you also have Depression (or anything else Psychiatry related particularly Anxiety).

Some people with Depresion can have transient cognitive issues such as difficulties concentrating and focussing and like you mentioned they can be fixed with reducing stress,quality sleep and brain training games.

If you feel yor issues are transient and from Depression then you are maybe better off doing the above as opposed to attempting to seek help from doctors as they dont really offer any help 'from Depression related concentrations issues etc.

If its not transient and there everyday or worsens then as you know there is no treatment for permanent cogntive loss although it may be worth asking for a brain Pet scan and EEG to see if it helps provide any info into whats going on?

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@ivana wrote:

Hi @Former-Member

I have memory and cognitive issues but not due to a Psychiatric disorder.

I'd suggest seeing a Neuropsychiatrist if you can find one.

I'd also suggest picking the doctors you see carefully as many (particularly Neurologists) will not take your symptoms seriously/dismiss them if you are a younger person (under 45) and you tell them you also have Depression (or anything else Psychiatry related particularly Anxiety).

Some people with Depresion can have transient cognitive issues such as difficulties concentrating and focussing and like you mentioned they can be fixed with reducing stress,quality sleep and brain training games.

If you feel yor issues are transient and from Depression then you are maybe better off doing the above as opposed to attempting to seek help from doctors as they dont really offer any help 'from Depression related concentrations issues etc.

If its not transient and there everyday or worsens then as you know there is no treatment for permanent cogntive loss although it may be worth asking for a brain Pet scan and EEG to see if it helps provide any info into whats going on?

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Hi @ivana

Thank you so much for your message- you have given some really great advice & information. I think I will ask to have a brain Pet and EEG. I did have a MRI about two years ago, and the information from MRI is limited to the structure of the brain. I may even ask for another repeat MRI and have the Pet scan too. And I will have the EEG done too. At least if these come back normal I can get some reassurance but doing other lifestyles change can't do any damage but help with my overall health & wellbeing.

The reason I will be having tests is that I have been having symptoms for a while and occuring everyday.