Who here has noticed short term memory issues with MC (LC or CC) or has dealt with brain fog - concentration issues. I know this topic has been occasionally mentioned, I just thought a recent thread on the issue would be a good idea.
Do you feel that gluten plays a part in short term memory loss or brain fog?
--Joe
Gluten Brain Fog & Short Term Memory Issues
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
I had major brain fog issues, very often, for varying periods of time, when I was reacting. I even had hallucinations, during a few really intense sessions, mostly at night, when I was unable to sleep, but it only happened a few times.
As for short term memory . . .
I don't remember any issues with loss of memory, but then, how would I remember a loss of memory? 
Powers of concentration definitely went out the window during such episodes, though, and I couldn't trust myself to make any serious decisions, do any complex calculations, or do any serious planning.
Wait a minute! Come to think of it, that still pretty well describes me. Just kidding - it was much worse back then.
There's no doubt in my mind, that all of it was due to gluten-sensitivity, because I don't have those symptoms now that I totally avoid gluten. I'm one of the few here who doesn't have a bunch of food sensitivities, so I can pretty well pin it down to one of the foods that I avoid - either gluten or lettuce. And no, I don't think there's any chance that it might be due to lettuce.
As most of you know, I also have residual permanent damage, in the form of peripheral neuropathy, which is almost certainly due to gluten damage, since I'm not a diabetic.
Tex
As for short term memory . . .
I don't remember any issues with loss of memory, but then, how would I remember a loss of memory? Powers of concentration definitely went out the window during such episodes, though, and I couldn't trust myself to make any serious decisions, do any complex calculations, or do any serious planning. Wait a minute! Come to think of it, that still pretty well describes me.
Just kidding - it was much worse back then.There's no doubt in my mind, that all of it was due to gluten-sensitivity, because I don't have those symptoms now that I totally avoid gluten. I'm one of the few here who doesn't have a bunch of food sensitivities, so I can pretty well pin it down to one of the foods that I avoid - either gluten or lettuce. And no, I don't think there's any chance that it might be due to lettuce.
As most of you know, I also have residual permanent damage, in the form of peripheral neuropathy, which is almost certainly due to gluten damage, since I'm not a diabetic.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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jillian357
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Well, I am both happy and sad to report that I too have noticed serious "brain fog" since my diagnosis.
Happy to know that I am not alone, but very sad that others have also experienced the same.....
In the early 90's I was a whizz-bang bank teller. I saw customers pulling into the parking lot and before they walked in the door I had their account info pulled up on my computer, because I knew which customers would ask me specific details on their account. They were always amazed that I was able to remember such detailed info.
Now, I can't even remember to lay something out for dinner, or what daily tasks need to be completed at work, without writing it down. It's been quite humbling to say the least.
I can definitely relate to what you are feeling.
~Jill
Happy to know that I am not alone, but very sad that others have also experienced the same.....
In the early 90's I was a whizz-bang bank teller. I saw customers pulling into the parking lot and before they walked in the door I had their account info pulled up on my computer, because I knew which customers would ask me specific details on their account. They were always amazed that I was able to remember such detailed info.
Now, I can't even remember to lay something out for dinner, or what daily tasks need to be completed at work, without writing it down. It's been quite humbling to say the least.
I can definitely relate to what you are feeling.
~Jill
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wonderwoman
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Linda in BC
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One thing I have found very interesting is that for years I suffered from brain fog, but I didn't know that's what it was. I would just get so tired that I couldn't think straight, or concentrate, and all I could think was "MUST SLEEP! I mean seriously, people would just have to look at me to know that I was crashing like a computer system. I have always attributed this to my hypo-thyroid condition. I had been GF for about 3 months when one day I realized that I hadn't felt that sudden overwhelming fatigue and inability to function for quite a while. I now believe that what I was getting was major brain fog and I believe that removing gluten from my diet has pretty well made it stop. I do get it mildly sometimes (especially if I have been working on budgets and working with numbers a lot 
) but nothing like before. I can even get through most days now without feeling like I need a nap!
Several people I work with have commented in the last few months that I look more rested, not so tired, etc.
Linda
) but nothing like before. I can even get through most days now without feeling like I need a nap! Several people I work with have commented in the last few months that I look more rested, not so tired, etc.
Linda
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
The 13th Dali Lama
The 13th Dali Lama
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Linda in BC
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I have been on a GF diet for a little over a month now, and one of the things that I have noticed is that I don't have brain fog anywhere close to what I had before. I still have times when I have short term memory problems, but I just thought that was my age.
I also have anxiety issues so some of my problems come from that.
The really great news is that most of my gut pain is gone, but as I type this I can feel a twinge now and then. It may be from the holidays, I ate allot, although I did maintain my GF diet. Today I have resolved to start eating right again. I did eat somethings that were different than what I had been eating. Also I know that I am just starting to heal so it will take time, but its so nice to feel somewhat normal and norman is still here so I am very happy about that.
I also have anxiety issues so some of my problems come from that.
The really great news is that most of my gut pain is gone, but as I type this I can feel a twinge now and then. It may be from the holidays, I ate allot, although I did maintain my GF diet. Today I have resolved to start eating right again. I did eat somethings that were different than what I had been eating. Also I know that I am just starting to heal so it will take time, but its so nice to feel somewhat normal and norman is still here so I am very happy about that.
Yep, both brainfog and short term memory loss for me as well, and I do notice a big change now that I'm gluten free. The way Linda described it pretty much speaks for me as well.
Love,
Kari
Love,
Kari
"My mouth waters whenever I pass a bakery shop and sniff the aroma of fresh bread, but I am also grateful simply to be alive and sniffing." Dr. Bernstein
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Linda in BC
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Brain Fog
I have been GF for 8 years, DF, soy free, egg free and a million other-free for so many months since being diagnosed 16 months ago. Was on Entocort for almost 8 months and went off of it when my symptoms had improved but the cost of the medication was killing me. What I have noticed lately was brain fog and I truly thought it was Alzheimer kicking in as I am 67 and it scared the shi* out of me (no pun intended there). Then I thought "ah-ha!!! Could be brain fog as I have figromyalgia and MC????" What I notice at times is that I forget how to spell words and I have always been a whiz at spelling. But I go to type on the computer and my fingers cannot find the keys to spell words that I should know how to spell. Oh, I always forget people's names and always have. No change there. But this spelling thing is new. Brain fog????? God, I hope that is what it is or my daughter is going to check me in somewhere.