Does anyone else have bad memory with the brain fog?

[thyroidqueen12]

I have Hashimoto's and feel like I can't remember anything anymore I really hope this isn't just me because it's starting to worry me...

[PurpleNails Administrator]

I don’t have Hashimoto’s (I have a nodule) but yes I have a dreadful memory.

I can take me ages to get things finished and I have to set a timer to check the cooker when preparing meals, same with reminders for pill time. Thank goodness for Apps.

My concentration is always worse when levels are too low.

[abirose311]

It sounds as if you may not have enough T3. I had no short term memory for several years. One day I made a coffee, sat it by my computer, went to spend a penny before starting work, made a coffee and looked with confusion at the one I forgot was on my desk, put the 2nd cup down and the doorbell rang, I signed for my post, opened it, and thought I could really use a cup of coffee, so I made one, Then burst into tears when I got to my desk with it and couldn't work I was so distraught. I believed I had dementia and worse, my children suffered those thoughts too.

I got lost in the town where I'd lived 20 years and couldn't remember the way home. On more than one occasion I couldn't remember where I'd parked the car. Eventually I didn't feel safe to leave the house.

Years later, when I requested (and paid fifty pounds for) my medical records, I saw that the lab had been putting a little exclamation mark next to my below range T3 for years.

I think I've read that the brain needs T3 more than any other organ in the body. After years of getting-by with coping mechanisms, like notes by my bed, notes on the fridge, alarms on my phone, T3 was my miracle drug. Has yours been checked?

[thyroidqueen12 in reply to abirose311]

I am so sorry you went through that for so long abirose311 glad to hear that T3 has helped you. It is baffling to me how our thyroid/lack of can cause all of this.

I constantly have to write lists to remember what it is that I need to do/ had planned. I’m also finding it difficult to retain information and recall things that are short term memory. If i am told information, and try my best to remember it- i forget all the details in a few minutes without writing things down. I can tell its getting worse over time. I am worried as Alzheimer runs in my family- but I am only 27!!

I also set out to work on things and kind of zone out and time passes before I’ve done anything. I used to be very productive, I don’t know what is happening. Maybe that is the brain fog part?

I posted also today about my current and past blood results. Please see my other post. Some people have indicated that my T3 might be the issue, but it hasn’t been checked before recently so I have no reference point

Do you take a t3 medication only or also t4 (levothyroxine?)

[abirose311 in reply to thyroidqueen12]

I think most of us feel best when our thyroid levels are in the top half (at least) of the range. In a range of 3.1 - 6.8, the middle of the range is 4.9 or 5. So yes, your T3 levels look on the low side to me too. The most telling factor is your symptoms

[abirose311]

I take natural dessicated thyroid hormone (Armour) which is made from freeze dried and dessicated pig thyroid gland. It has all the thyroid hormones but is private medication and quite expensive. I take a little extra T3 too, if I feel brain fogged or ready for bed by 5pm. My endocrinologist said that he believes Natural Dessicated Thyroid and T4/T3 combinations work equally well. Not all Area Health Authorities will prescribe T3, so it's a bit of a lottery if it is available on prescription in your area.

[PeterpPiper]

I remember what I want to remember and forget the rest hope that helps:)Try not to worry, a calm mind is a clear mind.

[AtemiM]

My short term memory is terrible. I have to write everything down (which is actually a nice excuse to endulge my stationery addiction 😉). Sometimes I can have a corridor conversation with someone at work and have forgot what's been agreed by the time I get back to office.

I also have awful word dysphasia sometimes and have to stop mid sentence as I just can't think of the word I want. It's very frustrating.

I've started an ongoing list/record of my symptoms and investigations (I've been dealing with symptoms for well over a year and have been passed from pillar to post). At least that way I don't miss anything when I see someone new.

I started a trial dose of levothyroxine last week so really hoping it will start to have an impact.

I definitely feel your pain.

Mx

[SecondAngel]

One weird thing I found was sugar causes brain fog with hashimoto's - apparently it is quite common.

[jgelliss in reply to SecondAngel]

Spot On....

[thyroidqueen12 in reply to SecondAngel]

Interesting... I will pay attention to this. Problem is that I always crave sugar 😅

[AtemiM in reply to SecondAngel]

Oh no!! I'm already hearing I might have to give up gluten and dairy. If sugar has to go to I'll be resigned to licking lettuce forever 😂

[SecondAngel in reply to AtemiM]

It is hard to give up, you can be strategic though as the brain fog pretty much lifts once you have metabolised the sugar e.g. have sweet things only when you don't need a functional brain for a while after.😉

[AtemiM in reply to SecondAngel]

I've managed it previously (I've done Whole30 and similar diets where sugar is restricted). I do always feel better after the first few days of "kill all the things" but it isn't much fun long term I find.

[HowNowWhatNow in reply to SecondAngel]

Do you know or have an idea why this is? Is it the effect of the heavy glycemic load? Ie. Is it about blood sugar or processed sugar that we eat?

And what is it about this effect that does the harm?

And do any other processed white carbs or other things that bump up the blood sugar levels have a similarly difficult effect for brain fog?

[HowNowWhatNow]

TERRIBLE memory. This week has been the worst. I have lost my keys and bank card - zero recollection of where. The first time I have done this in ages but it is the absence of any of the in between memories that is worrying me. What else am I forgetting to do / send / write / look out for?If anyone has any good journaling practices (not the kind of thing I usually try but I’ll give any glowing recommendation a go) or vitamins they take for this (is ginkgo biloba any good?) or exercise they do or any other helpful medical or non-medical remedy, I am desperate for a helping hand.

[SarahJane1471 in reply to HowNowWhatNow]

I use post-it notes 🤷‍♀️I have done for many years. Sometimes it’s just got 3/4 items on. Sometimes a task. When I’ve completed it I throw it away.

[HowNowWhatNow in reply to SarahJane1471]

Thanks Sarah Jane. My memory is so bad I then forget where i’ve written down XYZ / which bag I’ve put that list in. Post-it notes sounds a good start.

I always use the timer on the oven when I cook something. That habit has stuck and is very helpful, for not burning pans, I find.

[SarahJane1471 in reply to HowNowWhatNow]

My smoke alarm lets me know when I’ve burnt pans/food 😂

[HowNowWhatNow in reply to SarahJane1471]

That’s how I used to be reminded, too!

[MiniMum97]

I have ADHD which causes short term memory/executive function issues. It has become WAY worse since developing thyroid disease. Awful brain fog, horrendous short term memory and horrendous concentration. It’s been so bad of late I feel like my brain is just completely giving up and I’m barely functioning. I also am probably perimenopausal which won’t be helping things either. Strong coffee helps (although that may just be because I have ADHD not sure if it helps the same symptoms due to other causes or not).

I hate it. Makes me feel like I’m an idiot when I know I’m not but I can’t remember things from one second to the next and can’t hold a conversation as can’t get the words out.