Is anyone experiencing early onset dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?

[[Buddie]]

Hello,

For the last 3 to 4 years I have been experiencing forgetfulnesses accompanied by confusion but it’s gotten so bad that I was referred to a

neurologist in NYC for comprehensive testing.  I think they are also giving me a pet scan.

I’m so scared of getting bad news, I wouldn’t know how to handle it.

Is anyone else out there who might be experiencing the same thing?

[[Buddie]]

I’m not sure I can erase anything.

I’m having really bad head and ear pressure and foggy mind.  It may not be what I initially thought, dementia or Alzheimer’s.

[[Buddie]]

Looks like you're still tapering ... I think it's good you went for tests, but until you're fully off the benzos for a while, I think it could still just be withdrawal ... just the stress of tapering is definitely disruptive to my attention and memory!

[[Buddie]]

Hi [...],

Exactly, I didn’t realize until the symptoms passed that they were withdrawal symptoms.   I really panicked yesterday. 

[[Buddie]]

Jacky, keep us posted about your test results.  I was diagnosed with Memory Impairment and Amnesia a few years ago and doc wanted me to get memory testing and a brain scan, but I didn't either one done.  I know that my memory impairment is caused by the benzo's.  But then, I did have a seizure at work in 2012 and that damaged my brain and I haven't been the same since. 

[[Buddie]]

Jacky, keep us posted about your test results.  I was diagnosed with Memory Impairment and Amnesia a few years ago and doc wanted me to get memory testing and a brain scan, but I didn't either one done.  I know that my memory impairment is caused by the benzo's.  But then, I did have a seizure at work in 2012 and that damaged my brain and I haven't been the same since.

[...],
My appointment to the neurologist is on the 17th.  They are doing a comprehensive test on early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s and pet scan, I forgot that long long list but they are checking to see if I have autoimmune problems and familial Alzheimer’s. Also blood work up.
I will absolutely keep you posted on my results and any other tests. I got the neurologist In nyc. 

[[Buddie]]

Hopefully they'll run an ANA blood screening test for autoimmune disorders.  I had one done and mine was positive and then I was diagnosed with Lupus.

[[Buddie]]

I specifically asked for that test as well. I’ll keep you updated on everything.

[[Buddie]]

After getting Covid and mild concussion during taper I have had terrible cognitive problems. I don't know my brain anymore. I live in a fog like my brain is full of cotton, having really poor short term memory. I am forgetting things constantly. I have difficulties to function normally because of forgetting stuff. I feel like my brain and processing speed is slow. I used to be able to do a lot of stuff and now even watching TV feels too much.

 Benzo withdrawal has had an impact on my brain even before and I experienced some sort of cognitive problems but they improved so much the smaller the dose is I could function better. I did not think about them as much anymore, I felt more normal. I had some brain fog, feeling more forgetful but I managed. Now Covid and mild concussion sent me to this hell. Also "head symptoms", weird sensations returned that were long gone. I experience weird burning sensations in my brain like "processor overheats" and the burning brain gets worse when I try to think. I experience burning in the right side of my brain. Even watching TV and concentrating feels too overstimulating for my brain and the pain gets worse. Like my brain can't process normally and if I try, headache starts. My head hurts constantly. I don't know how Covid did this to me.. what is the mechanism.. Inflammation..

At the same time I have still a bit of tapering to do and I am thinking like what stopping the med will do in this situation. I hate this.

I am worried about my brain health and I would not be surprised if I get dementia in future. One day I read about first signs of dementia and I was like, oh okay, that sounds too familiar. I feel constantly that I forget stuff. I hope that my Covid induced symptoms improve and I get myself back. And this is only temporary.

I have been thinking about seeing a neurologist and getting an MRI because I have had a headache for a long time and because of these cognitive symptoms. It would be pretty interesting because I haven't had one after my iatrogenic symptoms started during withdrawal. Problem is my sensitive hearing and tinnitus and MRIs are pretty loud.

 Both of my parents have had autoimmune disorders and I have a backround of them.

[[Buddie]]

My mother is 68 and has been experiencing these types of cognetive issues while she is actively taking benzos. I'm worried they will get worse if she decides to taper. Did you have any cognative issues like this before you started to taper, or did they come after?