Cognition-memory problems--need advice
 

I don't post very often so please bear with me...

I'll get to my point quickly...I have FMS, TOS and have had them for more than 10 years.

I've continued working (partly stubborness and lots of medication). My job requires that I recall lots of data and quickly.

For some time now (and increasing every day it seems) I have been forgetting the data the minute it comes into my head. I used to think it was just my short term memory problems but now it's almost instant memory problems!!!!

Has anyone read any book, article or has any advice on how to improve this? If I can't get this under control I'm concerned about maintaining my job.

Medication, herbs, accupuncture, books, anything?

thank you all for your response and thank you all for being here!!:grouphug:

Gentle, almost daily exercise (of course skip a day here and there if you are very fatigued or genuinely overly stressed or in unusually bad pain). However, I think it is better to push through most normal discomfort and get in some exercise about 6 days a week. It is good for a variety of things, including depression and memory issues. Just a little walk (10 minutes, etc.) before work and then perhaps in time, also after work, might really help.

The other thing ... is a supplement you can find at the health food store called "PS." I apologize, but the full spelling of the word is long and I don't have it in front of me. If you go to the health food store (like Whole Foods) and ask for the supplement called "PS" that helps with memory, almost everyone will know how to help you. Studies show that it works. Several in my family are taking it and it DOEs!

Additionally, you might make sure you are taking a wide variety of supplements...including Magnesium Malate for your magnesium needs. To the best of my knowledge, this particularly magneisum is said to help with Fibro. Since I've started taking it, my body aches are slightly less severe many days.
Sure, it's not much, but I'll take it!!!!

Sounds bad, but at least you aren't under extra stress!! (Joke.)
Have a look into this prescription drug that my daughter's GP recommended yesterday, on the back of many good results from other patients. Daughter has M.E. so also suffers from cognitive and memory problems.
The name is piracetam.

Here is a bit from Wiki:
Piracetam (sold under many brand names) is a nooropic. It is a drug that may: enhance cognition and memory, slow brain aging, increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, aid stroke recovery, and ameliorate Alzheimer's, Dow's syndrome, dementia, and dyslexia, among other diseases and conditions. Piracetam may be classified as a psychoactive stimulant.

I think we could all do with some of it!!!

I found the PS name & some info-

PhosphatidylSerine (PS)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphatidylserine


Google search results-
http://www.google.com/search?q=Phosp...ient=firefox-a

Thanks to you all
 

I so appreciate the time you all spent replying...I will definitely try each of the ideas from the exercise to the PS to memory drug (can't remember the name...hee hee)

I take so much medication that I'll be careful to see if anything interacts, but I'm willing to try anything.

You are all so thoughtful to share your ideas to help those of us on this site. I visit often and learn so much. Thanks again!:hug:

If you do purchase the magnesium tablets, consider taking it before bedtime. I've heard magnesium sometimes helps with sleep. Additionally, sleep sometimes helps with memory. You might want to get to bed a little earlier than you've been going to bed in the past, etc.

Wishing you well.

Cognitive memory problems
 

I'm assuming you have not seen your GP about this-do you think you should, as it may be a sign of something else?

if you are sticking to your own devices, here are some more suggestions:
Ashwagandha-this is a herb that we have just started using. Comes well recommended for improving brain function.
COQ10-helps with general body functioning at a cellular level, increased energy is a result.
Use only the super equiqinol type for much better absorption and value for money.

Omega 3 is seen as so good for a variety of things.
I take 5 a day.

The modern diet is so often lacking in essential things, especially metals, so a good quality multi vit may also be helpful. We use Life Extension 2 per day-have been unable to find a better one.

Eat only freshly prepared food, lots of fruit, vegies, nuts. Avoid highly processed foods such as white flour and rice, bread, cakes, soft drinks, sugars etc.

Minimise dairy and wheat.

The brain requires a lot of fuel to function properly, so it may well be that your diet is lacking.

Have a look at this symptoms list and see if you relate:
http://www.hfme.org/themesymptomlist.htm
Look for COGNITIVE & NEUROLOGICAL DYSFUNCTIONS

Hi tg1999

Peter B is right. Changes in cognitive performance should be checked out medically. After that, I have used modafinil for the cognitive effects of chronic FMS-like muscle pain for about a year. For me, it improves working memory, attention control, emotion modulation and impulse inhibition.

Stress reduction also makes a big difference.

Best wishes

Ant

Magnesium will also help with pain from fibromyalgia.

It has been a wonderful add for me.

Donna

I take magnesium for muscle stiffness and have noticed a marked improvement from it.
Hot baths every few days as well, with bath salts-also magnesium I think.