Pred side effects…memory

[Darcy2000]

I have been on Prednisone for 5/years for PMR and GCA . I have had a pretty good run with no major side effects until this last flare 20 mg and my mind is not where it should be .. Literally the moments of being unaware that I just put my keys in my purse or just put my phone on the table is like I wasn't present when I did those things .It seems that I am not mindful at all .. totally spaced out for like 2 minutes … Everything else cognitively seems good in fact I seem more alert and tuned into daily activities than usual. My brain is full of thoughts and tends to be very busy and I figure that the lack of mindfullness is due to 5 years on Prednisone .Has anyone else experienced these lapses of memory .This is not like you dont remember where you put things..its just you were not aware you even placed these things in a certain place

Anyone else experienced something similar?

I hope with a tapering dose I will get my focus back

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It may be the flare - I find a flare leaves me unconcentrated in the way you describe. But age also has a role to play. And you mention how busy your mind feels - it can only cope with so much at a time and dismisses things that it feels are less important or are a reflex action - locking the car or putting the keys in their usual place may not register. But if you are sleeping poorly on the higher dose - that may also affect memory.

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[Body_bonkers]

Steroids have definately affected my short term memory and at high levels the brain is racing. I’ll also see something and think why did I not notice it before and it is a bit scary. All you can do is try and sleep well and reduce stress. I find writing things down helps too

[Darcy2000 in reply to Body_bonkers]

Thanks very much … reassuring

[Sharitone]

Yes, just like that! Now on a low dose of pred, with TCZ, and it has improved, though I am still quite scatty, particularly on days when the deathly fatigue is bad. At least you have an excuse!

[Darcy2000 in reply to Sharitone]

interesting the bonus is I am too wired to be tired

Hey that Rhymes😊