dementia

[Roy46]

I have some of the symptoms of dementia and will make a doctors appointment to discuss. I’ve been on pred for 10 years, now down to two and a half mg. Wondered if 10 years on pred could lead to dementia or anything like it, eg foggy brain.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Both the disorders that we take pred for and pred itself can lead to brain fog. It almost always accompanies autoimmune disorders of all sorts.

What particular dementia symptoms are worrying you?

[Roy46 in reply to PMRpro]

Memory loss, what happened last night/yesterday. Reduced concentration, which has always been good. Apathy/weeping. Can’t manage everday tasks. Losing keys, papers, documents. Walking poor. Sleep pattern bad at night.

Could it be vascular dementia? Thyroid issues?

Diet is good. Need more exercise though.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Roy46]

It COULD be depression, a lot of those complaints are associated with that - is there any reason for that? Have you changed any medication? DO you take a PPI, for stomach protection?

But whatever it is, if you are concerned your first stop is your GP who can do simple tests to assess the current situation and refer you appropriately. Don;t run away from it - you have managed to express your fears to us, tell your doctor.

And let us know what they think.

[Roy46 in reply to Roy46]

Thank you PMRpro. I shall take this up with my GP. . I have had some tough time recently, including a serious car crash. Am sticking with 2.5mgs pred, which I have done for past 18 days. Working so far!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Roy46]

Well a serious car crash could lead to a lot of the things you describe… and as PMRpro has said your next step is to see your doctor.

Your first, and probably most difficult step was to tell us. So kudos to you on that., It’s all too easy to keep things to yourself and hope they resolve themselves - they rarely do, so please get the help you need.

Good luck…

[Roy46 in reply to DorsetLady]

I’m one to keeping things to myself. Always been that way. Must try harder to change. Many thanks to you and PMRPro

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Roy46]

You’re welcome- and hopefully one of the reasons we are here…

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Roy46]

It's hard - but you have taken the first step.

[Sillydogsmum]

You have been so courageous to voice your fears so openly. As DL and PMRPro have already said, what you are noticing could have many causes emotional , mental and physical which your GP will be able to sort out with various tests. 👏🫂