Thanks for your answers.

Please try not to think of the worst case situations such as Dementia. You should talk to your doctor. There may be a much more simple explanation for your recent cognitive difficulties and that may be something that can be sorted out.

I'm sorry you experience difficulties with medications. There are alternatives to medications that some people find very helpful.

My daughter had a terrible time with brain fog lasting years. She has some similar conditions as you have mentioned. It was found that her B12 was dangerously low although that had been ignored by doctors for years. She's doing much better now but it has taken some time. She doesn't like to take medications at all but finally gave in when things became overwhelming for her while trying to study and she's taking Lexapro for a few months now and it has helped her anxiety levels very much indeed. She also has had cognitive behaviour therapy for that and uses several other helpful techniques involving relaxation on a daily basis. She certainly feels as if her cognitive issues are much better and she can really concentrate again now as well because she seems a lot less overwhelmed by external stimuli.

If you ever need it, there is an
Anxiety Forum here at NeuroTalk.

take care there.

[btw. Regarding "empathy" - That's a bit of a myth really although it depends on the individual.]