Cognitive Impairment Amongst Prostate Cancer patients.

Posted by gkm @gkm, Dec 21, 2023

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

gkm, thank you for this link, and for posing the question.

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I’ve suffered most all the common side effects of ADT and Cognitive Impairment is definitely one of them. It is both frustrating and problematic. I’m 63, self employed and still working full time. Hopefully this problem is temporary and I’ll start to see improvements soon. I just had my last Lupron shot about 6 weeks ago. It was a 4 month shot.

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I have now been off of ADT and Erleada for a year and my brain fog is finally clearing but still a little there. When I had it I would wake up and not know where I was but I was in my own house, I had been going to Westwood, UCLA several times a month, and I would lose my way. I also had depression and would cry at the dumbest thing. Thankfully, I am better now. 77 years and very far from perfect!

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Same here. I've 57 and been on ADT for 10 months, and while I am grateful to not have material fatigue issues, I feel less sharp and my concentration and memory are worse. I was on ADT for two years when I was 52-54 and I don't remember having cognitive issues. However, I was a lot busier then at work and wonder if staying busy helps me to remain clearer.

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I'm tagging @trazzy. I think you might be interested in this discussion too.

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Thank you,
It is roughly 3 years since my husband finished ADT and certainly however in August of this year he was prescribed Testosterone Gel to improve his lethargy. He feels much worse since using this and lethargy has increased plus CI. His PSA remains low and is being monitored.

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I don't experience brain fog, but ADT + Apalutamide definitely affect my ability to work. I've been working just under halftime since I started on it. I'm clear-headed enough for 3–4 hours a day, but I couldn't work an 8-hour day because I need to lie down and rest.

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I had RP and work full time. Post surgery I had full energy but not able to think clearly at all. Zero support from the hospital, all in my head.

Thank you for raising the question.

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Thank you for bringing up. Before today, I had never heard or even thought about this. In the minute it took me to read your comment, it hit me, that yes since starting treatment, including ADT, that in hind site, and I thought nothing of it, but I have been experiencing “brain fog”, since receiving my 3 hormone shots. I am 60, still working full time and did so during treatment. My treatment ended in May. I have powered thru all of it. Definitely more research needs to be done.

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@dmccarthy104

I had RP and work full time. Post surgery I had full energy but not able to think clearly at all. Zero support from the hospital, all in my head.

Thank you for raising the question.

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I'm really sorry to hear that. When I was a hospital in-patient for 3½ months, I was offered a huge range of support services, from social workers to occupational and physical therapy to psychotherapy to dietician consultations, all funded by the province. But as soon as I came home it was a completely-different situation: I was sent home with a lot of literature and access to a good 9-5/M-F patient-support line at the Cancer Centre, but because I was under 65, didn't live alone, could feed and dress myself, and wasn't in economic need, I was far down the waiting list for any kind of decent homecare (after initial assessments).

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