Bit fo FYI: Steroids can cause reversible-dementia
 

Hey guys,

Just wanted to post this as I know that a lot of us are aware of prednisone causing psychosis/emotional problems, but it can also impair executive function to the point of dementia. Thank God it goes away, once the 'roids are stopped, though!

http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/64/4/707

I definately found myself many a time so impaired that I couldn't even drive; didn't seem to know how to...I'd also find myself drowning in paper, and making lists of every painful little detail like no one's business because I didn't seem to know how to organize myself.

Example:

(1) wake up
(2) eat breakfast
(3) look around room
(4) Adjust list
(5) Eat a bag of chips!!!
(5)b Check blood sugar
(6) Find list.
(7) Where are my glasses?
(7)b Found glasses. On head.
(7)c ?I don't where glasses?
(8) Look up 'where' in dictionary. It's 'wear.'
(4)b Make another list to accompany current list. 'Sub-list'?
(7)d Determine whose glasses are on said head.

My lists were pretty much that detailed, minus the content...Playing around a bit...But the prednisone made it really difficult for me to focus, and remember much...

bit fo FYI: steroids can cause reversible-dementia
 

Nicky,
Thanks so much for this!!! I can totally relate to making lists to remember even the most basic things. I still have to make a list daily for fear of forgetting something really important. I just finished todays list before getting on here. Like you said thank goodness it is reversible once the steroids are stopped. I wish Drs would make people aware of this when they put them on steroids. I honestly thought I was losing my mind and had a glimpse into how it must feel to have dementia or alzheimers. It is very frightening. My grandma had alzheimers and I remember her getting so defensive when someone would correct something she had said or done. I couldn't understand that at the time but now know she must have been so scared not understanding what was happening. It seems like I find more reasons everyday to get off the pred as soon as possible. I worry about the long term effects after seeing how quickly serious side effects come on in such a short time. Can't wait to be steroid free!!!!