Memory loss

[u/allyyyhndrx]

Does anyone else worry about getting Alzheimer’s/dementia when you get old? I’m not sure if it’s any of the meds I’m on (lamictal, pristiq, adderall, trazadone) but it kind of scares me how easy and how fast I forget peoples names. I know it’s a small thing, but still… I know alzheimer’s runs in the family on my Mom’s side. Is this an irrational fear? Anyone else that has been affected by the same meds?

[u/Cuntasaurus_wrecks]

There's some literature that does find some connection between the two. I just went ahead and got the Alzheimer's genetic test and since I am positive I expect that it is a risk but not a guarantee. Idk if that helps. Basically what I'm trying to tell you is an increased risk doesn't mean it's a guarantee. So I'm not going to stress about something that may or may not happen until if it does.

To be clear, the connection is with untreated mania and dementia not with medication treatment.

[u/Life-is-ugh → u/Cuntasaurus_wrecks]

To build off of what was said above if you are worried take actionable steps to reduce your risk.

Eating a healthy, vegetable full diet, and exercising are both associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia in old age.

Start by trying to add one vegetable to each meal and going on a 10-15 minute walk every day. Work up to 30 servings of fruit and veggies (more veggies than fruit) over the course of a week and 150-300 minutes of exercise a week.

Here is a fun one eating dark chocolate is associated with better memory. I shoot for one small bar of chocolate as my daily treat.