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?
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jflorax
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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.
There's a lot going on in the field of memory loss! I'm so grateful that, as we age, there are tools to help one out. Along with the other organs, brains don't stay youthful forever. There are tests available and so on. Thanks for bringing this to people's attention.
Hi orangecity41 - it would be helpful to know what your doctor prescribed for memory loss. If anyone else has successfully used a supplement or prescription medication for this, I'd really like to hear. It scares me more than CKD!
I’d like to know too. My husband has Altzheimers, short term memory loss, but overall is still fairly sharp, sometimes I wonder if it is Altz or just caused by his stage 5 CKD.
I did have brain fog , I was a dialysis for a year,, it got a little better, until a received a transplant recently. Your memory issues could be related to kidney disease, stress etc.. I am going to get a MRI for memory issues in two days, mine issues could be age related. I strongly suggest you talk to your Doctor and,or a neurologist to see what would be beneficial to help you. When I read your words you did sound very stressed.
Be kind to yourself and when you address your concerns with a physician you may feel less stress, when you receive a proper plan to follow. I am wishing all the best in your journey.
Hi jflorax - I too get brain fog and have difficulty thinking clearly. This appeared to start quite suddenly last year after taking Calcium Channel Blockers for the first time, and has continued through several changes of medication. At 81, I've been retired for 7 years, and my brain stayed sharp until this incident: suddenly I was aware of finding it hard to focus, and any complex tasks took much longer. It's been quite worrying, and hadn't occurred to me that the continuing problem might be CKD-related. Even my renal guy didn't connect the dots when I mentioned it this week at my annual check!
As you know, advancing CKD alters blood chemistry and causes imbalances that affect us in many ways; I've now realised this includes memory and the ability to think clearly. And it appears to be especially true for both high or low sodium and potassium. (Salt substitutes contain large amounts of potassium, which is why we're told not to use them.)
So if you're also perimenopausal, there are several factors at play; fortunately, the menopause does improve things once it's over! All the best.
Yes! I have the same problem with my memory. It is both very frustrating and scary at the same time! I don't know if it's related to my KD? I read that it could be part of KD. I will see my Nephrologist April 1st for the 1st time and I will add that question to my list. Good luck to you!
I'm stage 3b. So pleased someone brought up CKD and memory issues. My mind was very sharp before this all started. Now I can't finish my own sentences because I forget the end before I finished the beginning. Quite frustrating.
Hi again, jflorax. Bassetmommer is right that the buildup of uremia can cause memory problems, and the number of HU members responding to this thread suggests many of us do have this experience; the decline in kidney function impairs the body's ability to get rid of excess fluid and sodium. A lot of research has been done in this area, and a 2016 summary of these studies found evidence that it's common: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl...
Much of the evidence suggests that what's called "executive function" - the higher-level cognitive skills that enable us to plan, organize, and manage our thoughts, behaviours, and emotions - can be affected at quite early stages. (I first noticed this after changing to a BP medication that produced chronic diarrhea, which itself can cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly in sodium and potassium.) Memory itself may be less often affected early on.
The brain fog can be very distressing and everything takes longer. One way I cope is to record details of all appointments and tasks, including social ones, both planned and carried out, in my agenda/diary; I also make detailed file notes of consultations, medication effects, etc. Walking, yoga and mindfulness practice also help me focus better and reduce the distress.
Those are all great suggestions, thank you! Unfortunately, my husband is not supportive and says I conveniently forget things and doesn't think it's real. 😔
So sorry to hear your husband isn't supportive - it must be very discouraging and lonely. Mine wasn't either so eventually I left him, which was hard physically, emotionally and financially, but I'm much happier.
Is yours willing to accompany you to hospital visits and get informed about the issues? Does he have a trusted friend or relative who can help him understand what you're going through?
For yourself, it can help to share your situation with one or two close friends; and if this isn't available, try getting support from one of the kidney charities in your country. They often have a helpline that offers information, advice and personal support by trained volunteers who are usually kidney patients themselves, so they understand the problems from personal experience. In the UK, both Kidney Care UK and the National Kidney Federation have these helplines. Very best of luck.
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