Diabetes and memory problems

[SamQKitty]

Dak,
Sometimes it IS hard to know what to believe, but often that's because medicine isn't an exact science. Frequently doctors make their best educated guess based on all available information. And there are just so many factors that may or may not be causative.

Getting a second opinion never hurts, and you're wise to do so. However, you should do so as quickly as possible because, as I previously mentioned, if it IS Alzheimer's, he should be started on medication ASAP.

I understand your frustration and all the questions, but you know it's just possible that all of this was coincidental, and that the memory loss just happened to start shortly after he started the statins.

Also, there is a big difference between the short-term memory loss some people suffer as a result of medications and the type of memory loss that happens with Alzheimers. As an example...some of us might forget our own phone number momentarily, but we would NOT forget what the telephone was for! It often takes a very thorough evaluation to diagnose Alzheimer's.

See what they have to say at Mayo. I will pray for all of you that it turns out not to be Alzheimer's, but if it is, please don't delay in getting him treatment.

Ruth
Ruth

[Tomorrow]

Hello Dak,

I am a type 2 diabetic and I did take statins prior to being diagnosed with diabetes. I had first started with Pra****l and then Lipitor. I developed many problems from the use of statins, and one of them being memory loss. Things were getting so bad that I started to take an herbal supplement called Gingko Biloba. I had to discontinue the use of Lipitor and it took many months for me to feel a little bit better, but not completely. But yes statins can cause memory issue's. Their is even a book out that an astronaut wrote concerning his use of statin medication and his memory and I believe that he even got amnesia. But some people just can't take these meds, while on the other hand they work great for others. I am not taking a med called Zetia and haven't had any problems with it, but still have great difficulty keeping my cholesterol down. I do pray that your father starts to feel better, and that his memory does improve.

Jeanne

[FreeBee]

Dak - I have been on Diabetes meds for 2 years now. Not once has ANYONE given me information on how to treat my disease, no drs., no clinicians, nothing. I had to find out for myself online, books, from others. I had been on Lipitor the whole time and slowly got less and less feeling good but did not equate to drug. FINALLY, saw a good dr who suggested another drug for something else which we thought made me not able to get out of bed. When I reported this to him, he did not think it was the drug he gave me. I was out of work for 3 days with immobilization and constant pain. He took me off Lipitor and all pain went away within 3 days. Not using Lipitor again. Felt better than I have in long time. I believe Lipitor can have odd effects on different people; suggest you try a different drug through a good doctor. Perhaps try just a different statin drug.

[warpig]

Originally Posted by Greeneyesofblue

I was DX one week ago, but had Gestational diabetes. I can remember by telephone number from when I was 4 yrs old but forget a sentance I made 15 minutes ago...

Thank you for posting-I am extremely good with numbers (I am an accountant) but if anyone asks me to do something for them and I do not write it down I forget within about 5 minutes. I never even guessed that my diabetes could be part of the problem. I have been suffering with memory problems for years. I have type 2 diabetes, had gestational with both children, 36 yrs old, need to lose a little more weight (I have lost 26lbs but BGL not going down), family history. I am going to ask my dr if there is a correlation between the two.

[dak2005]

Thanks for the replies! My Dad was on Zocor and his doctor has not suggested another statin. To be very honest I wish my parents would go to a different doctor. My Mom is so stubborn. We are getting so blue now with the holidays. None us are in the mood to do anything. My sister, brother and myself have to keep pushing our parents along. It's quite the job! I have read a million articles. All of the Duane Graveline, Beatrice Golomb. I have even gotten my Mom to fill out a questionnaire for their study. It's the constant waiting. Patiently waiting...... Why the Good Lord is doing this to my family, I don't know. I have never seen my parents struggle this way financially ... former small dairy farmers and so life wasn't easy and now retirement will be even worse I am afraid. I am not married and not able to help my parents out financially. My brother is married but makes barely enough for his small family and my sister is in college. I know we are aren't the first people or family to deal with a health issue but it sure feels like it.

Thanks again!!