Anastrozole Brain Fog

I was on Anastrozole for 6 yrs and off it for 1 year My dr suggested to get off of it because of my memory problems . I’m 68 and finding it hard remembering names and following directions when driving. It’s like more I try to remember my mind goes blank😵‍💫 I’ve been to a neurologist and oncologist about it. I chalked it up to chemo brain but was told this usually happens within 1st yr and gradually eases up I now feel I’m getting dementia from it my family sometimes upset me when they say “ we just told you that” or “don’t you remember you just asked me that” It scares me more when I try to remember something I know it’s common knowledge for me and I can’t remember at all😟 I retired year ago because of memory problems so I find myself depressed and anxiety. This Mayo connect site has brought me some relief knowing I’m not alone and not going crazy !
Excellent therapy just knowing others feel same as me and it’s not “ all in our head”. ❤️

For me, and I believe for many women, there were many changes in my body during my menopause years. When breast cancer reared its ugly head in my mid 60’s and I was treated with surgery followed with estrogen blockers, it was like going through menopause all over again. My worst symptom is my cognitive function and loss of memory. My husband and son made fun of me to the point that I just kept my mouth shut and didn’t say anything. I have retired from work, and recently finished taking hormone blockers; however, I continue to stay by myself as much as possible. I’ve learned through this experience to enjoy my own company and the peacefulness of my alone time.

A question I have is, I personally know many women in academia, research, teaching, management positions who are well beyond their menopausal age and doing a wonderful job. So, if cognitive decline is due to the lack of estrogen, how are we going to explain these brilliant women? If it is due to the estrogen blocking medication, then can we say that there's a difference between the cognitive decline due to menopause vs cognitive decline due to the estrogen blockers?

This is the article I cited on one thread. Note this paragraph:

"Six to 12 Months After Anastrozole Initiation

Paradoxically, the deterioration in visual working memory and concentration that occurred with the initial 6 months of anastrozole was followed by improved performance inthese domains at 12 months. In comparison with controls, women in the chemotherapy-anastrozole and anastrozolealone groups performed better 12 months after anastrozole initiation. this interval. Their reproductive hormone levels likely remain low with continued therapy. This may reflect compensation for the cognitive changes initially experienced...

Of course before and after this period, there is decline.

I will watch the video but just want to comment that I have read- can't cite_ that there are other brain changes as we age - perhaps not valued as much, that may contribute to wisdom and perspective. Hard to test for! And long term memory can sharpen.

@nyscof, I noticed that you wished to post a URL to an article and a video with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the links you wanted to post is not spam. Please allow me to post them for you.

"How menopause affects the brain | Lisa Mosconi"

Well I thought all should know, after my complaint about absstrazole and feeling crappy. My oncologist persisted with scans and found a lesion on my iliac joint. I was redisgnosed with metastatic breast cancer after a biopsy in Dec 2021.

Sent from my iPhone

I've been on it since 2019 yes I feel horrible all the time. Everyone I spoke to even every doctor says the same thing. One of the side effects. I take lots of vitamins for the join pain.
from Nature Made glucosamine chondroitin complete with msm triple strength + D3 it helps it really does.

@nyscof
Beside menopause, there is research being done to see if women who had total hysterectomy prior to 40s has effect on memory later in life. I was asked to participate in one of Mayo's study doing research on topic.

It is all related, decrease in estrogen due to AIs, menopause or hysterectomy may effect your brain.

Like many treatments for diseases, treatment vs side effects.

I did stop AI after breast cancer due to side effects.

Laurie

I thought I saw a different study with improvement in the middle period. I will try to find it!

Ted Talk on how menopause (and lower estrogen) affects the brain is on YouTube; but I can't post a link The title is "How menopause affects the brain | Lisa Mosconi"
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Patterns of Change in Cognitive Function With Anastrozole Therapy (2015)

CONCLUSIONS: Women with breast cancer had poorer executive functioning from the period before therapy through the entire first 18 months of therapy. A pattern of decline in working memory and concentration with initial exposure to anastrozole was observed. Women receiving anastrozole alone had a second deterioration in working memory and concentration from 12 to 18 months after therapy initiation. The longer term effects (>18 months) of anastrozole on cognitive function remain to be determined.
(couldn't post link - the journal is Cancer )