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Cognitive Impairment Amongst Prostate Cancer patients.
Over the past year since my salvation radiation treatment, I have had a feeling that I was suffering from brain fog; a feeling that my brain was not functioning as well as it had in the past. Since I was now 81, I initially thought it was probably early signs of dementia. However, I found a recent research study published in November 2023 by Springer Link which suggested that symptoms like brain fog, diminished capacity for work and a deterioration in communication skills are indicative of possible CI (Cognitive Impairment) arising from the treatments received, including ADT. Although CI has a negative impact on one’s Quality of Life, there is very little clinical data available. CI is an important subject matter that needs to be researched as dealing with CI is currently not one of the tools in the toolbox. This is the link to the Study which also includes a 3 page summary of the issue.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12325-023-02721-9
I would be interested in knowing how many of you feel that you may be suffering from CI as a result of your treatment for prostate cancer which would include receiving ADT.
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Sorry for the lack of care at home. Hope you are recovering from your RP.
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1 ReactionHave his testosterone level checked. He should not feel lethargic unless maybe he is depressed. You don't say how old he is. I am 74 and my energy level started fading at 72 long before my prostate cancer treatment. I can tell I am getting older.
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1 ReactionHe is 74 and he is being closely monitored his testosterone is up and and his PSA remains low. We saw our GP yesterday and she like us thinks perhaps in a months time to maybe not bother with the testosterone Gel as it at this point I’m time not improving his energy. He does not suffer with depression as such, he is very fortunate as he is a passionate obsessed artist and devoted to his studio and driven by his work. He also exercises every day as he was advised by a physiotherapist how important this is. The lethargy is frustrating him because it interferes with his art. He also has developed 2 lumps in his left arm one on his wrist and another on his elbow having an Ultrasound done in the next week or so. So we push forward focus on good things especially at this time of the year. Christmas, family, friends and loved ones that may not celebrate Christmas but are still in our hearts.
look up DR ABRAHAM MORGENTALER FROM HARVARD ON LOW TESTOSTERONE
Maybe since he is my age, he and I are not spring chickens anymore. I also exercise every day and have for years but I know I am not as strong as I once was either. Then again, every day I wake up I feel great as there are so many people way younger than your husband and I in the news that are dead. I feel fortunate that other than the bout with PC I am feeling healthy. My mental outlook also helps. When people say their glass is always half full my response is MY GLASS IS ALWAYS FULL BECAUSE I OWN THE GLASS!!! Tell him I said getting older isn't for sissies.
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4 ReactionsI really appreciate what you've written. And I absolutely love the positive message that you included: "MY GLASS IS ALWAYS FULL BECAUSE I OWN THE GLASS!!!" Wishing you and everyone on this thread wellness in the New Year we're about to embark on!
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3 ReactionsAfter having been on ADT for 18 months plus zytiga for the past 8 months, I think there are times when I am mentally lethargic, but thankfully not often. I constantly try to be doing something mentally whether reading, following a lecture on youtube, researching issues with PCa and other interests, etc. Really the only time I let my brain relax is when I work out and when I sleep. I also count time interacting with friends and family as mental-on time.
I would also mention that I have been taking the lowest dose of Bupropion/Wellbutrin for several years, preceding my PCa Dx. I began taking it due to trouble concentrating after retiring and some mental sluggishness (way before I started taking ADT). It has worked great for me and may be the reason I have little trouble with ADT-induced brain fog.
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1 ReactionMy reply to this post is different. I have bred on ADT and Zitega for all most 6 years . I am 73 and am now Crmpc . The first few years the cognitive side effects were not there. Then covit hit and our lives like all were turned upside down. I had been in very good shape b4 PC partitioned in 7 Disney 1/2 marathons, and worked out in gym 3 days a week. Covit was the biggest part or my down fall. After covit a had lost all gains of my strength and even more from the ADT and Zitega . That’s when I started to feel all the cognitive decline. I have most of the things in the article you posted. I have started back to the gym but it is very hard! With my cancer progression and my lack of motivation ( I was a High School coach for 32. Years) so I know about motivate . I guess in conclusion the hormone therapy and Zitega have kept me alive for over 4 years. I read about the therapy and was ready for it for 2 years till covit but tha preparation was all on my own. Not much help from Med field . This part is very sad. Thanks for this post a hope it might help others.
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2 ReactionsI love your statement about “OWNING THE GLASS!”
So true, the only thing we really have any control over is our attitude and the way we think about any issue, challenge or success in our life.