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Memory & Cognitive Issues NOT Associated w/ Prednisone?
I’m still seeking a diagnosis but my symptoms and testing does appear to be consistent with Polymyalgia Rheumatica. It appears that memory issues from PR (as opposed to prednisone) has only recently been getting some attention in studies published since 2023.
Does anyone feel they have memory and/or cognitive issues from PR as opposed to prednisone treatments?
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Hi!
I spent 2 weeks in Mayo hospital in a huge autoimmune firestorm, diagnosed with GCA or Temporal Arteritis & PMR. The weeks leading up to my hospitalization I was pretty sick. My brain fog was so bad. I couldn’t think straight or remember anything. I couldn’t focus. When I got IV steroids that was one of the things I noticed first, the clarity of mind that came back. I have always had a good memory but all that inflammation was doing a real number on my head.
When I got home & started at 60 mg a day on prednisone, again, I was amazed at how clear headed I was. It was amazing! Now that I am tapering (at 30 mg prednisone per day) some of my brain fog symptoms have come back. I find myself forgetting words or now have to check & double check myself on schedule, or shopping list etc.
It is still not as bad as it was at my sickest. But for me it’s a clear indication that my cognitive symptoms are not Prednisone but the GCA/PMR itself. I wonder if any of the research shows that for others.
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1 ReactionI’m sorry to hear of your struggles but that is interesting. My memory and brain fog definitely worsen when I’m in a flare.
But memory issues and brain fog from long term prednisone use is pretty well documented and unfortunately these things are not always caused by just one simple answer so both issues may be in play. The PR/GCA flare initially and now the prednisone catching up with you.
Hopefully as you continue to taper your memory will improve!
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2 ReactionsHere’s a 2023 study which shows a link to memory & cognitive issues purportedly for the first time:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003496724656463
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1 ReactionI was diagnosed with PMR October 2025. I’ve taken prednisone from last October to March 2026. Yes I do feel that I’m foggy sometimes. My rheumatologist prescribed Kevzara. I’ve been injecting since December every two weeks.
Brain fog and fatigue have gotten a little worse each time I have had covid (about yearly since 2021). I had a virus in May 2025 that triggered the PMR. I was diagnosed in Nov. 2025 with the PMR based on the aches and pains, but none of my doctors want to comment on or respond about the greatly increased fatigue and brain fog that I have experienced, especially since May 2025. I was hopeful that the Prednisone from November 2025 would help, but it has not, especially when you add in additional insomnia. They were so bad, I decided it was time to retire this spring in my late 50's. There are good days and bad days. I would love to know if they will get better once I taper off the prednisone.