Memory Problems???

[trytryagain]

Did anyone of you ladies have issues with short term memory as a result of your OSA? I had been blaming the big "M" for the memory loss. But that is over and I am hoping the apnea is to blame and my memory will return. Sometimes I forget things midsentance, or where was I going and what was I going in here for? It is driving me crazy. My doc assures me it is not dementia, (i'm 55). Will my memory at least improve with my continued therapy?

[kteague]

I was in the same age range when I started cpap, and it really helped my disjointed thinking and memory problems. I've read that it is during sleep that the brain sorts through and organizes our memories. Kinda like how the periodic utility of defragmenting a computer organizes the files for more efficient retrieval. There may be other contributing factors, but the memory issues that were caused by poor sleep should show improvement to varying degrees. Everyone's different.

[Emilia]

My doc tried to blame my extreme fatigue and memory problems on perimenopause and then menopause. Well, I am well past both of those, and guess what? It was OSA all the time.....

I had terrible short term memory, and often forgot words mid-sentence. The brain fog was incredible.... I likened it to trying to think through cotton inside my head. After 4 weeks on cpap therapy, my head is clear and my memory is much, much better. I expect it won't be 100% better since with age one can anticipate a little memory loss. At least the cotton is gone!!

[Tired Linda]

trytryagain, you're not alone. I get extremely frustrated. My desk at work is covered in sticky notes to help remember what needs to be done. I must have a list for the grocery store, even if it's for only a couple of things. And don't remind me to buy milk on my way out the door. If it isn't written down, I'll forget it. (and milk is VERY important at my house)

I haven't been at this very long, either, and hope things will turn around. Getting diagnosed, starting therapy, and figuring out how to get it to work best for me has almost been worse than the big "M"

Here's to good sleep,
TL

[resistance]

Looks like the thread is a "ladies only" one, and sorry if it's really so;) But as a middle aged male, I also suffer from all of the memory problems mentioned above.. While reading, it felt like it was me speaking..

My memory was much better a few years ago. I'm pretty sure it's OSA, but 5 months of therapy didn't give back my short term memory. I need to keep a perfect agenda at work, and always take notes, write reminders etc.. It's a huge problem at work.

[Jere]

Disrupted sleep hampers cognitive function, but I have been using CPAP for 5 years and my memory problems remain (although I sleep much better ). I'm not that old so I blame it on the meds!

[lbw]

Memory problems are very common. Depression is also an unwanted side effect of OSA which also adds to the memory problems. As you catch up on your sleep you should find the memory improving.

[Cindy58]

trytryagain,
My Short-term memory was also severely affected. Thought I had early onset Alzheimers, considered getting tested. I too left notes all over at work, and had to write down what to do the next day so the next morning I could pick up where I'd left off. One week I made so many mistakes at work I was relieved of those specific duties. My boss even went so far as to suggest that I might consider looking for another job. My brain fog was so thick all I could do was sit there and stare at them. When they finished talking I quietly got up and left the room with out a word...like a dog whipped into submission...so totally not who I used to be.
There is another thread where roster (a member) gave research links and quotes. One personally gave me hope and reassurance: research had shown that after three months the brain had recovered in OSA patients with xPAP therapy. And that was my experience: three months after starting APAP co-workers and my boss saw such a turn-around in my personality and work performance that they returned the portion of my work they'd removed.
Yes... there's hope but your brain must be given time, as much compliance as you can give, patience and love to heal.

[robysue]

resistance,

bet nobody ever blamed your memory problems on menopause though!

but you're welcome here anyway. good to know foggy memory problems with OSA is not restricted to just us women-folks.

[jazzer4]

Oh my memory problems.....notes everywhere.
Felt so dumb for not remembering things people said to me like how many kids they had, or their husbands name, or maybe even their name.

It took about 6 months for my memory to start to return. Each week was a little better than the week before.
Now, after one year I think I have regained all I'm going to, but it's enough that I no longer need post-its everywhere.

Now, it's a wonderful life!!!!

Hang in it takes time. (now I also sleep about 9 hours a day, I'm lucky to be retired so I can do that)

[trytryagain]

Thank you so much everyone for your understanding responses. I almost "forgot" that I had posted this question! My doc did tell me my memory symptoms might be caused by the OSA, but hearing other actual people with similar experiences really confirms it. I'm going to make my family read this thread, so they realize I'm not the only one and that being tired all the time isn't the only symptom.

[resistance]

resistance,

bet nobody ever blamed your memory problems on menopause though!

but you're welcome here anyway. good to know foggy memory problems with OSA is not restricted to just us women-folks.

No Sue, naturally not. But you can be the first if you want to.
BTW didn't you already know that memory problems with OSA is not restricted to just women.. Or did you forget that too

[SleepyT]

Did anyone of you ladies have issues with short term memory as a result of your OSA? I had been blaming the big "M" for the memory loss. But that is over and I am hoping the apnea is to blame and my memory will return. Sometimes I forget things midsentance, or where was I going and what was I going in here for? It is driving me crazy. My doc assures me it is not dementia, (i'm 55). Will my memory at least improve with my continued therapy?

TryTry,
I have been "on the hose" for about a year and a half now...and while my memory has gotten better than it was before CPAP....it is not where it was before I was showing signs of sleep apnea....which I think was maybe 2 years prior. I'm 51 and post the big "M". I think it's tough to say that just one thing could cause memory issues. I had a job change, menopause, sleep apnea...stress....got older! Will my memory come back to the way it was? I don't know...I sortof think not. I'm taking my vitamins and fish oil, trying to eat right, get enough sleep...I even go to the gym 3 times a week now...trying to make my mind better. I guess the answer to your question 'will my memory at least improve with continued therapy' is yes...to some degree....and I hope full recovery for you! Time will tell! Best of luck...

[Sandra]

Oh, tta, it was my memory problems that led me to the doctor. Good memory was one of my strengths in life, and I was so disturbed by how it went downhill, and got so bad that I forgot obvious, important things, could not find words while talking, constantly losing stuff for not remembering where I put it.... I was so upset by it all.
(Side note, the doc never considered sleep apnea, she did bloodwork for hormones and deficiencies, sent me for MRI, doubled up my antidepressant meds, all that got me nowhere... but it was I who through researching came to wondering about OSA that led me back to her to consider that as a possibility. A year later, here I am. )
For me, cpap therapy has been a godsend in that department. I felt more clarity pretty much immediately, cognitive function, including memory, has improved steadily ever since. I am so relieved to be more back to my old self again. I've been on it for about 2 months now. I hope you experience such improvements too!