Systemic sclerosis and memory/confusion..?

[Fudgel]

Hi there,

My dad has systemic sclerosis/scleroderma. He’s in quite a bad way with his elbows and hands at the moment. Sleeps badly coz of pain, has to change dressings every morning etc. Also takes heart meds since a few years ago, having an ‘episode’ under general for keyhole surgery on a hernia a few years ago. He’s still working, as a builder, and I’ve been on at him to slow down for years ! Anyway, a couple of my siblings have expressed some worry about memory or confusion recently and im going to have a chat with him about it. I am wondering if it might be a known thing to do with Reynauds and scleroderma? Or the heart meds maybe? I really hope its not anything more serious. He’s a very independent and precise person, a real perfectionist. I think this will really be a blow if it is a permanent thing. Any tips or advice very welcome. Ive already gleaned from here that some CBD cannabis oil might be a good thing for him. That and actually finally retiring properly. But id love to be able to find him a really good doctor who i can get him to right away (he’s in London, and done everything through the NHS which is great, but im wondering if there is anything else i can do for him if i pay? Probably not but worth a shot.)

Apologies for the ramble, i just really want to help him and he’s got quite a lot going on.

[LucyJean]

Hi there, it is understandable that you are concerned. You don't mention how old your Father is...is he close to retirement age? Is there any family history of memory issues?

There are lots of reasons why you can suffer from memory issues and confusion. Firstly, anyone who experiences regularly poor sleep and continues to push themselves can struggle. Secondly, yes some of the medications can cause impaired cognitive abilities, particularly some of the pain killers. If he has heart issues that impair his circulation and impact on his oxygen levels mean that all his cells will be working less efficiently and the brain is particularly affected by low oxygen levels.

Is his diet ok? Does his scleroderma affect his digestion? Poor nutrition can affect memory and cognitive function. Does he get a good range of vitamins, especially B vitamins and Vit D? Are his iron levels ok? Does he experience fatigue?

Sorry it is like an inquisition!

Basically I would just a get a check up with his GP or if he has a Rheumatologist is he due for a review soon? If in doubt...check it out! it could be something that is easily resolvable.

Hope that helps a bit

Lucy x

p.s. cannabis is likely to be a bad idea if you are already worried about cognitive function. Especially if you are mixing it with other prescribed meds. Make sure you tell someone if you are going to take anything additional that is unprescribed.

p.p.s I don't think you need to get anything and above NHS care. Specialists for this condition are available on the NHS

[Fudgel in reply to LucyJean]

Thank you so much for replying. Those are lots of goods points and questions I can go over with him when we talk. He does eat well but I hadn't realised the scleroderma itself might mean he doesn't get maximum nutrition from his food.

I don't think he has much faith in the GP, worth getting him to look for another but that's easier said than done in somewhere as population dense as London I think. I don't get the impression that the consultant is particularly accessible either. But I'll chat with him and see what comes up.

Thanks again.

[Joanne_Evans030365]

Hi fudge, I take from what you say that your father has diffuse seleroderma? Affecting the outside of the skin.. maye try some baby lotion or camermile lotion. Something with no harsh chemicals. As for the cbd, I have read about it but to be truthful I don't know anybody who has tried it, therefore I couldn't comment on weather it would be of help or not. As for memory lose and confusion, that could just be an age thing. Try him with brain train products to help. Take care x

[Jabb-UK]

Not much to add to LucyJean's reply but I was worried about my husband's memory/confusion a while ago. He wasn't sleeping well and has a history of depression (cured by retirement!) but it did pass. Have you considered depression?

[bluesgirl]

There hasn’t been a great deal of research on Scleroderma and how it might affect the brain. My clarity certainly has been affected but this may be due to medication or dealing with pain issues. Your gp can decide the way forward, memory test, brain scan etc. I wouldn’t delay given he needs full faculties for his job. You can pay for a consultation if you wish as there would be some delay due to waiting lists but it is a case of putting your dad’s health issues across as forcefully as possible.

[Dawzelle]

I haven’t been suffering with confusion as such but I don’t feel as sharp as I used to. Having said that, I was checking side effects of Lanzoprazole which I take for acid reflux because of other issues I have, and one of the severe side effects of that drug is confusion which should be discussed with a GP asap. Your post doesn’t say if your dad is taking that type of drug but I thought it was worth a mention. I hope you get it sorted soon x