The Damage Being Done To Our Brains

[JockLitt]

I posted a couple of weeks ago about my cognitive functions getting worse. Since then I've seen a neurologist and had an MRI done. The radiologist didn't pick up anything wrong in the scan, (maybe he had it upside down or inside out), but the first thing the neurologist said when he checked it was that there's a significant amount of atrophy. I'll be going for some cognitive function tests when I can get an appointment. It'll take a couple of years to establish if it's something worse.

I would recommend that everyone with sleep apnea read Dr Mack Jones' book, Deadly Sleep (Is Your Sleep Killing You). He's a neurologist who has gone through everything we've gone through - tried all the ENT ops and eventually had a tracheostomy. He sets out in the book the fact that just one apnea is dangerous. The cover shows the white matter strokes which affect apnea patients and can be seen in new imaging techniques

[nobody]

I don't understand, does he suggest a hole in the throat over using a XPAP?

[Muse-Inc]

Thanks for the info Jock! I'm sorry to hear about the brain changes...bummer. Remember tho, the brain throughout our life makes new brain cells and new connections...we just gotta supply it with all the right stuff beginning with sufficient restorative sleep.

[dsm]

Jock

You have good reason to be very concerned but some recent medical research strongly implies that even older people can recover & expand their brain function if they exercise regularly - that is, both physical & mental exercise. (the absolute motivation I have for cycling to work each day).

I started this thread on the topic as the issues you raise are very very imporatnt ...

viewtopic/t49302/Your-brain-amp-effects ... rcise.html

Cheers

DSM

[SleepingUgly]

The radiologist didn't pick up anything wrong in the scan, (maybe he had it upside down or inside out), but the first thing the neurologist said when he checked it was that there's a significant amount of atrophy.

The radiologist who specializes in reading MRIs did not think anything was wrong, but the neurologist, who does not specialize in reading MRIs, thinks there is? Ask the neurologist to request another radiologist's opinion of the scan. Really. (BTW, I had a friend who was told by one doc that based on scans, she had dementia. It was devastating. Fortunately, he was wrong. Always get another opinion.)

Neuropsychological testing is a good idea. Please ask the neuropsychologist how well they can discriminate between cognitive issues due to sleepiness vs. other causes. I'd be very interested to know.

[JockLitt]

Thanks guys. I used to exercise every day but stopped when my first wife passed away. I need to get back into my regimen. I've also bought some brain training exercise software

By the way, I got the book online at BooksOnBoard for <5$

[JohnBFisher]

... I posted a couple of weeks ago about my cognitive functions getting worse. Since then I've seen a neurologist and had an MRI done. The radiologist didn't pick up anything wrong in the scan, (maybe he had it upside down or inside out), but the first thing the neurologist said when he checked it was that there's a significant amount of atrophy. ...

Sorry it took me a while to reading this. You have my sincere empathy. You are now headed down a very similar path I've trod. I have problems with my cerebellem and brainstem area. There are (as you are probably learning) many, many different things that might lead to atrophy. It is quite possible your sleep issues are a result of the brain issue, rather than the other way around.

What are some of the issues that can lead to brain atrophy? Well, depends on the area of the brain that is impacted. If it's in the cerebellum, most doctors will start to rule out genetic causes. If it is in the front part of the brain (our congnitive centers) then they will look for various diseases and possible injuries in the past.

The reason a radiologist might not catch the atrophy is that the radiologist is looking for injury rather than atrophy. If they don't see something unusual about the structure, unless the atrophy is very pronounced, they are not likely to catch the earlier stages of atrophy.

Essentially, if you have a hammer, the rest of the world is made of nails. You miss the screws and wedges and such that are all around you.

Your neurologist was looking for possible issues that would relate to the symptoms you felt.

... I'll be going for some cognitive function tests when I can get an appointment. It'll take a couple of years to establish if it's something worse. ...

The congnitive testing (probably with a neuropsychologist) will help set a baseline. Though it's possible something is "up", remember that the brain is an amazing organ. If you work at keeping in top mental shape (doing puzzles and word games on a regular basis, stay active with friends, participate in book clubs, read, etc) then you can help minimize the impact of atrophy.

I'm not saying it will make it go away. I'm just saying it can help improve your quality of life.

... I would recommend that everyone with sleep apnea read Dr Mack Jones' book, Deadly Sleep (Is Your Sleep Killing You). He's a neurologist who has gone through everything we've gone through - tried all the ENT ops and eventually had a tracheostomy. ...

Prior to CPAP a tracheostomy was often the only recourse for severe sleep apnea. Glad we've moved forward.

... He sets out in the book the fact that just one apnea is dangerous. The cover shows the white matter strokes which affect apnea patients and can be seen in new imaging techniques

Oh, it's true. But like diabetes it is damage that occurs over time. It's not good to have an apnea. But you can and will live through one. You can have hundreds and live through them. But it's the night after night, month after month, and year after year that leads to the severe damage to the body.

Anyway, I know you are going through a lot. Feel free to PM me if you need to express frustration, fear, anger or whatever. I can not say I have any magic cures. I've been hunting for mine. But I will try to listen and help in whatever little way I can.

[Muse-Inc]

John you are such a lovely shining light...thank you for posting and sharing, you inspire me.

[mars]

Hi All

A few more links -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8467811.stm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/brainboxchallenge/ ... bate.shtml

An older, but still interesting document is at -

http://tabithapowledge.com/files/Published_main_.doc

cheers

Mars

[dsm]

Hi All

A few more links -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8467811.stm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/brainboxchallenge/ ... bate.shtml

An older, but still interesting document is at -

http://tabithapowledge.com/files/Published_main_.doc

cheers

Mars

Mars - good links- the 1st one was another I went looking for but couldn't locate.
It is very interesting & sure inspired me to exercise.

Cheers DSM

[Judy R]

I am really sorry that your having to go through this. I will keep you in my prayers for strenght and guidance. I do however hope that you will continue to share this new path of your journey with us, as it could be of help for others. God Bless You! John you are a true treasure, and a true source of strenght for all of us. Thank You!

[SleepingUgly]

Get a second opinion from another radiologist. Ask who is particularly good. Radiologists interpret MRIs, not neurologists.