Diabetes and memory problems

[mfactor]

A common cause is hyperglycemia which causes fatigue and "brain fog". Get checked out.

Yep I suffer/suffered (work in progress ) from spikes of BS and definitely get the above, so much so I had to give up work (driver)...

 

[JenniferW]

Maybe it's because I have dementia in the family (so probably in my genes), but my GP's taken my concerns about my mental health seriously. I don't have any memory problems at present, but she agrees I need to flag up problems as soon as I suspect them, to be referred across to the specialist mental health team.

When I first raised it, I said I knew about the research linking diabetes with the condition, and the GP seemed to accept why i was worried. So does it depend on how we put the problem - and fears and concerns - to them? And choosing the GP to talk to? I talked about it first with the diabetic nurse at my GP practice, and she recommended two of the GPs in the practice who she thought would be the best ones to talk to about it.

 

[Actaeon70]

My mother has been diagnosed type 2 for over a decade and has developed mild cognitive impairment (she's in her early 70s, and 3 years ago had pernicious anaemia so severely they thought she had Alzheimer's). I've been diagnosed type 2 for 12 years, but also have schizophrenia which can affect memory. My short term memory is almost nonexistent, and everyone who works with me observes this, yet when I've done memory tests they say I'm fine. I'm 45 next month. (And every day at work I see people with dementia who are 40 or younger.)

 

[JenniferW]

... My short term memory is almost nonexistent, ... yet when I've done memory tests they say I'm fine. ...

I was part of the care team for my mother through the best part of a decade of Alzheimer's, and I relatively recently talked with one of the specialists about the standard memory test - which they were no longer using on anyone, not just her, at her more advanced level of the condition. I got the impression they're seeing it as a fairly blunt tool - not useless, but not as helpful as other sorts of assessment. I'm sure that eventually they'll be coming up with physiological tests for better diagnosis (the equivalent of blood tests for diabetes), but that in the meanwhile, they're making do with what they have. A nightmare situation?

 

[eddie1968]

There are some real leap of linkage posts on this thread, you know 2 + 2 making unlikely totals?

I'd certainly back up a chat with your Doc about this, but in the meantime, I would suggest you try upping your water intake a bit. Dehydration is an extremely common cause of memory issues. My OH and I spend quite long periods in tropical climates and I know both of us notice our mental acuity goes right off if we aren't drinking enough. It's something very simple and very, very common. It doesn't have to be hot to become dehydrated.

My maths is fine, 2+2=4. Most of the suggestions go from simple and easily remedied to the cause for concern. I do not think long-term memory problems can be attributed to dehydration (mild). If you had severe dehydration you'd not be in any state to post the question and are likely to have bags of fluids being squeezed into you through a cannula.

 

[eddie1968]

Hello, is anyone having diabetes related memory problems, and how prevent/treat such problem?

Hi elie. the fact you know your recall is poor is actually better news than you think. Most people with serious memory problems don't have insight and have problems with time and special awareness. Get checked out if you are worried. Only a doctor can diagnose your problem. Get well and let us know how you got on.

 

[Actaeon70]

An example has just happened. My GP called, which had been arranged, but I couldn't answer because I couldn't remember which buttons to press to answer it. Fortunately she rang again, but I still couldn't remember. I just guessed a button, pressed it and luckily it worked.

 

[conchel3]

Hello, is anyone having diabetes related memory problems, and how prevent/treat such problem?

In reply to your memory Los question, i personally do have loss of memory and i am Type 2 Diabetic i get memory Lapses every day and i have told my Nurses who come out to the Housebut nothing is ever done about it, i also take Metformine and Simvastatin plus numerous other Drugs for other reasons but i really hate this Memory Loss it's getting worse especially when i ask my wife something the same 3 or 4 times aout the same subject, even iff i have taken my Pills, nightmare.

 

[jaywak]

I am 56 years of age and have been type 1 for 40 years , I work with people of similar age and several of my friends are the same age , We all seem to be suffering from various levels of memory loss so I wouldn't put it down to diabetes, just an age thing.

 

[ButtterflyLady]

An example has just happened. My GP called, which had been arranged, but I couldn't answer because I couldn't remember which buttons to press to answer it. Fortunately she rang again, but I still couldn't remember. I just guessed a button, pressed it and luckily it worked.

Sorry to hear, that must be really worrisome. I don't want to worry you unnecessarily but maybe now is a good time to review some areas of day to day activities in terms of safety.

Do you drive? If you ever have issues with driving or think you could, maybe stopping driving until you get some answers would be a good idea. It would be a shame to have a crash because of this. If you are diagnosed with something and are unable to drive, you may qualify for subsidised transport.

During one depressive episode I had, I kept forgetting that I had switched on the cooker, so I decided not to use it unless someone else was in the house. I microwaved my food or had cold dishes, until things were better. I think until you have more info about what is going on, it might be a good idea to consider any areas where your safety might be an issue.

 

[Bessiemay]

I voiced my concerns to my GP but was brushed off. I wondered if taking statins had any effect on me but he said no.

 

[ButtterflyLady]

I voiced my concerns to my GP but was brushed off. I wondered if taking statins had any effect on me but he said no.

If you aren't happy with your GP, then it would pay to find a new one. If you aren't able to register outside your area, I understand the NHS will allow this if you make a complaint. I say this just so people are aware they don't have to put up with a doctor they don't trust. Your health is important and you should be able to trust your doctor.

He probably doesn't know if statins affect memory... most doctors are so impressed with the fact that statins save about 4 lives out of 1,000 people who take them, that they're not interested in learning about the side effects and risks.