I am a 44 year old male and I am experiencing symptoms that are similar to those of Alzheimer's or other dementia or it may just be severe depression. I have trouble remembering new acquaintances and I am now uncomfortable in social situations which is so strange for me as I used to be very outgoing and friendly. I also feel somewhat disconnected in social situations and its as though I'm in a brain fog or not fully alert to what's going on around me. I also used to be able to write very well but that is no longer the case as I struggle now to find the right words. Even in conversation it seems like my vocabulary is more limited than it used to be and I often find I can't think of the right words.
I am now sleeping about 12 hours at night and several hours during the day as nothing seems to sustain my interest anymore. I get so bored that I just want to lay down and sleep. I should also mention that I take a high dose of Adderall twice daily for ADHD and I've read that long term use of stimulants can cause loss of pleasure over time.
I have suffered with depression since childhood and its gotten much worse over the years and I am now on strong doses of two antidepressants as well as a mood stabilizer. In addition I have been going through some extremely difficult and painful life experiences over the last five years with no relief in sight so that is surely not helping the way I feel.
I am also finding that I have trouble remembering things, not so much like appointments or important upcoming events, but I struggle to remember things I've just learned or read. I am terrible with names and often don't remember meeting certain people when I see them again.
I also have a long history of alcohol abuse as I used to drink excessively on a nightly basis for about 10 years although I was able to function and hold down a job during that time. I have been sober for 5 years now but I still wonder if all those years of alcohol abuse may be part of my problem.
I should also mention that my paternal grandmother had Alzheimer's in her later years so that is also causing me great concern.
Please reply if you have any helpful feedback. Thanks
1. It could be depression, but since you are already under treatment and still getting worse, this seems unlikely - although I urge you to research different psychological problems such as social anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder, or dissociative disorder because these matches your symptoms more closely and have different treatment plans than clinical depression
2. It could be that you sustained brain damage due to excessive drinking (there is a condition called alcohol induced dementia)
3. It could be early signs of parkinsons disease or huntingstons disease
4. It could be early onset alzheimers although I think this is very unlikely
A neurologist should be your first stop. Followed by a psychiatrist who has connections to your neurologist so they can share information. My list is not all encompassing its just my first thoughts based on your description.
Angel
Because you're already on medication it would be wise to get an appointment with your prescribing Dr. and tell him/her what you've told us. Your memory issues could be related to your medication.
Try not to worry too much until you've seen your Dr. A simple med adjustment may be all you need.
You could also have vitamin or mineral deficiencies. So get a good physical work-up as a starting place too. Good luck and please keep us posted on your progress.