Dimentia and COPD

[Mooskie]

COPD and Memory issues

has anyone experienced severe memory,issues with COPD. I just had a memory test and I failed!! I have stage 4 COPD, have oxygen 24/7, very little strength but still walking (but not too far). very low appetite.

i am close to 78 years, small body and otherwise healthy. I started noticing my memory loss about 6 months ago and it is getting worse. Hell, I didn’t even know what day it was!!! I put that down to age and retirement so no need to remember but I realize that is just an excuse to not face what I fear. I have been handling the COPD pretty well, for 12 years BUT..................!!

[Hidden]

So sorry Mooskie..it is unfortunately normal that because we don’t breathe so well, oxygen doesn’t feed our brain cells like it used to..

don’t worry about today’s your memory test..you can work on that..in the morning take 3 lucky numbers or 3 words or 3 life events and repeat them or write them a few times as you like..then try to remember them at lunchtime, and at teatime, if you don’t, work on them again..

There are plenty of exercises/games for seniors on the internet.

I am in the same boat I am having trouble finding my words or remembering people’s names. It is frustrating I know..

Sending love and comfort your way 💕

Fran

[Mooskie in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your response Happy. Yes, That is what I am assuming,is the cause. I am finding myself retreating from social activities and even short visits with friends. It is like I just want to get through the day and crawl back into bed. Terrible way to be, but I feel better if I am alone??

[Hidden in reply to Mooskie]

Sounds like depression which can accompany a chronic disease..Talk to your GP, consultant etc..honestly there are some wonderful meds and techniques nowadays..💕

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Hidden]

Hello Fran I hope you don’t mind me replying specifically to you here but I recognise you from other posts. Apologies if this is too personal a question but, how is your memory now, have things improved? Memory is something that’s really been worrying me lately. As well as the silly absent minded things like pouring juice on the plate instead of in the glass, I’ve been forgetting words and have blanks in my memory. I’ve been putting it down to a lack of sleep. I do not have COPD but I have asthma and for about a month I’ve been having real difficulties breathing so I guess it could be causing a shortage of oxygen to the brain. But, it is waking me up several times a night, the inability to breathe, along with the cramps and pains and everything else that wake me up in the night or prevent me sleeping, many nights I barely sleep one hour, so I’m putting it all down to a lack of sleep. But it is worrying and sometimes a bit scary. I do sudoku and sometimes crosswords, I’m going to try your 3 words exercise from now on too.

[Hidden in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Hi HHp😉

Sure..

Memory improves with your meds bringing oxygen in as you said, it is necessary for our brain..

I would add with brain and physical exercises..

Just a walk around the corner if you are not mobile or moving around the house doing chores..all at your own pace..

If you feel you can talk to your GP etc about pulmonary rehabilitation PR, it helps as well.

Also drinking water, keep hydrated..

Eating your greens 😃 , fruit, veg, potatoes and protein. Protein like chicken is good enough, if you feel you can have fish, it is also good. Eggs are good, twice a week.

Small meals several times a day if you can’t eat much. I can’t with the heat.

I have 5 or 6 almonds or a small banana as a snack. I was recommended 2tbsp of olive oil and 1tbsp of rapeseed oil as fats. No cooked fats for me.

See if you can see a dietitian or check the NHS website, British Heart Foundation website have good examples of food and exercises.

Socialising, getting out and talk to people..

Take care xx

Fran

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much for your reply. So many ideas here I think I’ll print it out. I’ve ordered the BLF exercise book as recommended by barbs47 but I’ll look at British Heart Foundation too. Maybe I’ve been dehydrated because I keep feeling thirsty and also not peeing (sorry if that’s too much information!) Thank you for all the ideas, I really appreciate it.

[Hidden in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Some meds tend to make you feel thirsty..and if you sweat you dehydrate as well.. hydration comes from drink and food, some food tend to contain more liquid..if you are not peeing enough it is a sign yes..with age we tend to lose that impression of thirst so it is good you still feel it..

I would make sure you have one glass of water per hour. Tea and coffee are dehydrating because they are diuretics, they make you go to pee. Tea is more diuretic. So if you have a cup of either I would have a glass of water before or after as you wish.

[vic44]

Ì ķnow how ýou feel with your memorý! Ì have to I write down

everythiñģ, helps some. Soon the weather will be better and I will be able to get out more. Helps when I see people out of the house.

Gentle Hugs

Vicky

[Mooskie in reply to vic44]

thanks vic.

if.

[joyce74]

I am the same, when having a conversation the wrong words come out. If I need to take paracetamols I have to write down the time, so I don't overdose, do the same for my husband too. He plays sudoku to try to keep his brain working.

[Hidden in reply to joyce74]

I write down paracetamol as well Joyce..better since I got the app Medisafe on my iphone..I have my virtual pillbox.. also with my 4 inhalers it gives me reminders but I took the sound off.

[joyce74 in reply to Hidden]

Haven't heard of Medisafe before, will make a note of it in my phone in case I may want to get it. Thanks .

[Phil40]

Hi,

I am 52 and forget loads of stuff which I never used to. I don’t have COPD, I look after my 81 year old Mum who does.

Her memory is undoubtedly worse when she has a flare up but generally I think that if I still have capacity at that age it will be a miracle.

I imagine the very fact you are concerned suggests that you are doing well, it’s a bit Catch 22 I would think;

Those who don’t worry about their mental health are the people who probably should.

To paraphrase the book, if you see what I mean.

And you are obviously computer literate etc etc so try not get too stressed about it.

And on the plus side, I can rewatch films that I have seen relatively recently and forget totally how it ends.

Which is nice.

Phil

[Mooskie in reply to Phil40]

hahah...love your sense of humour!

[helenlw7]

My oh doesn’t have COPD but is having memory issues so has been referred to a memory clinic. I’m really worried that he will get a dementia diagnosis. He did a twenty question memory test at the gps. He got three questions wrong which is a fail!

[Izb1]

Hi Moosie, i used to bring my Mum the daily paper as she loved the crossword which she said kept her brain healthy, i love suduko which I am sure helps a little, anything that keeps the old grey matter going will help, try to find something you enjoy even a jigsaw. Irene x

[Mooskie in reply to Izb1]

i do all that stuf f each day i feel even more forgetful. seeing my doc tom

[gingermusic]

I am also COPD stage 4 and oxygen 24/7 but I am 68 years of age. I am getting to be terrible with remembering names and quite often forget things I am told but I just put it down to age rather than anything else. Never really thought to much about it before, maybe I should.

[Mooskie in reply to gingermusic]

thank you ginger....i have tried telling myself it,s age but ......