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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Stress & Memory Loss
        
(Message started by: UN solved on Jun 12^th, 2007, 11:16pm)

Title: Stress & Memory Loss
Post by UN solved on Jun 12^th, 2007, 11:16pm

"Not only are these individuals losing cognition, but they are showing many of the changes in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer's disease," said Robert Wilson of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago"

"We now see that chronic distress is related to the first clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease," he said in a telephone interview."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070611/hl_nm/memory_stress_dc

UNsolved

Title: Re: Stress & Memory Loss
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jun 13^th, 2007, 10:08am

A caution about over-interpreting:

Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2005 Apr;9(2):109-12.
Cognitive processing in cluster headache.

Evers S.

Department of Neurology, University of Munster, Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33, 48129 Munster, Germany. everss@uni-muenster.de.

[Edited for length.] In neuropsychologic evaluations, a reversible decline of memory processing was detected during the cluster attack, but not between two attacks. Long-term observation revealed no progressive cognitive decline in cluster headache patients over the years. With regard to personality changes, a liability susceptibility to anxiety disorders and to hypochondriasis, but not to mood changes, has been described inconsistently. All changes in alterations of cognitive processing in cluster headache are demonstrated to be mild and do not relevantly contribute to the clinical picture of this disease.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 15745620 [PubMed]
===============
The issue of anxiety is very real and it's the reason I posted this article:

http://www.ouch-us.org/chgeneral/painvsuffering.htm

Title: Re: Stress & Memory Loss
Post by UN solved on Jun 13^th, 2007, 2:34pm

Thanks Bob. That was a very good 'essay' and I'm sure if everyone here read it, it would help some. The link should be posted 'out loud' from time to time where all can see it.

I've had to learn to 'rationally' think a long time ago, both during an attack and between attacks. Without it, I would've eaten that bullet a long time ago.

For some, this kind of rational thinking will come easier to them than to others. I also believe the degree of severity (of clusters) will also be a factor. (ie. Cluster patient #1 has two attacks daily that average a Kip 7. Cluster patient #2 has 7 attacks daily that average a Kip 8. It would seem most likely that CH patient #1 could learn to rationalize about the situation alot easier than CH patient #2).

I didn't mean to sound like I was over-interpreting, and I don't mean for others to either... what I meant to point out was: Maybe CH doesn't cause memory loss, but the 'side effects' (emotional stress) from it just may. Long term stress is causing changes in the brain which affect memory. Is that 'reversible' as some doctors are suggesting ?

PF Wishes

UNsolved

Title: Re: Stress & Memory Loss
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jun 13^th, 2007, 2:55pm

Yes, early intervention can retard/prevent the development of enduring changes which can lead to chronic anxiety disorders. Recent research on PTSD is making this need for earch action very clear.

I have a couple of other articles which discuss anxiety + cluster but they are too complex to post here. The overall tone, however, is that any medical disorder which involves chronic/intense pain can trigger anxiety. BUT--what studies show is that we can reduce this vulnerability via the cognitive training outlined in the OUCH article.

While folks are motivated to be assertive about medical treatment of their CH, there is too much passivity which leads to the "suffering" response. This is an area where we can develop a protective response to any chronic condition.

Title: Re: Stress & Memory Loss
Post by UN solved on Jun 13^th, 2007, 3:11pm

Thanks again Bob ! This does seem like it could potentially help many that are here or come here for help.

Long before CH.com and Imitrex, I remember talking myself through some very nasty attacks. It worked too! It was very helpful to me. I'm still (almost) sane ! ;;D

Thanks for all your input Bob! You're a valueable CH.com member ! :)

All the best

UNsolved

Title: Re: Stress & Memory Loss
Post by burnt-toast on Jun 14^th, 2007, 8:28am

I've find memory issues associated with CH a pain in the ass but only temporary. When attacks drag on for weeks and months - normal sleep becomes what I get between constant CH interruptions. The physical and mental exhaustion takes its toll on cognitive abilities. My doc has even noted that during the worst months my speech can become slightly slurred and I am constantly searching for words while talking. I’ve learned to deal with this by focusing/preparing more and slowing down to permit my speech and mind to stay in sync.

When CH activity slows down some and gives up a day or three between attacks – I almost immediately get back to normal and actually find that my physical and mental stamina can be significantly energized.

Not sure what the long-term ramifications of the physical/mental roller coaster ride is but so far I haven’t experienced any lingering or long term memory or physical stamina loss.

Tom

Title: Re: Stress & Memory Loss
Post by UN solved on Jun 14^th, 2007, 12:05pm

Thanks for sharing Tom.

My story is very similar to yours. I don't remember having a problem with memory ::) except when I was taking Topomax. When I do start having several attacks per day, then I do feel like it's a problem to remember things. Luckily, the histamine is helping me tremendously these days, so I don't go long with multiple daily attacks before I get treated with it again. As of right now, memory problems is not a problem ;;D

UNsolved

Title: Re: Stress & Memory Loss
Post by Buzz on Jun 25^th, 2007, 9:52am

If only I could remember what I wanted to say on this topic. ;;D

Title: Re: Stress & Memory Loss
Post by Ray on Jun 25^th, 2007, 11:06am

on 06/25/07 at 09:52:57, Buzz wrote:

If only I could remember what I wanted to say on this topic. ;;D

Buzz, they say your memory is the 2nd thing to go, now if I could only remember what the 1st thing was...hmmmm

[smiley=huh.gif]

Title: Re: Stress & Memory Loss
Post by taraann on Jun 25^th, 2007, 2:18pm

http://content.pyzam.com/graphics/sayingsquotes/BCCRS0503.gif