Kidney Disease and Memory

[jflorax]

I'm curious if anyone is having trouble with memory, critical thinking, or decision-making due to kidney disease. I'm finding that forgetfulness is getting to me. I have to take more notes than ever while at work; I forget what I am supposed to do, and I fell for a scam because my critical thinking just isn't as sharp as it used to be.

I really need my brain to work properly; it's kind of important. I'm also a woman of a certain generational vintage, so I could be getting a double whammy of perimenopause brain fog and the impacts of kidney disease.

Then I get emotional because I can't think the same way. It's very frustrating to me and those around me because none of us know what's happening to my normally sharp mind.

I'm assuming the sludge in my body that is not being cleaned out is part of the culprit.

Does anyone else have similar issues or a coping mechanism?

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hello, you do not say how old you are and what stage CKD. So some facts, you do say perimenopause. Let's deal with that. That is one of the most confusing times in a woman. Your hormones are going nuts. I remember I was out of my mind one day and totally focused the next. Talk to your doctor about what help with meds or supplements they can suggest. I wish I could say it gets better....and it does when you are over 65.

CKD can cause the buildup of uremia, which will impact how you think. But before you get all worried, I am talking very high levels like just before you need dialysis or on dialysis. In other words, kidney failure.

Some suggestions are to just embrace it all. Unless you are totally non-functioning, give yourself a break. Learn to use tools like lists and notes. I have a pad that I have next to my desk, we have a white board in the kitchen, and I use sticky notes all over the place. Who cares? You fell for a scam... so do a million others. They are good at what they do. I hope you recover from it. You are being very hard on yourself. Love being a woman, even if it is hard sometimes.

Make sure your labs look good. Maybe ask your doctor to run a current panel and explain to them why.

And lastly, two things help physically, which help mentally. Water and sleep. Get plenty of both.

[jflorax in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks for the support, I have PDK with a GFR of 42. I don't sleep because of the lovely restless legs that come with it.