How to cope with Multiple Sclerosis Brain Fog


Brain Fog.

Cognitive Dissonance.

Fibro fog.

Or even clouding of consciousness.

Lots of conditions such as multiple sclerosis can cause brain fog so we thought we would share these great tip.s with our readers!

For more ideas please have a look at our previous blog on the subject of brain fog. With over 200 comments from readers.

New Life Outlook - Multiple Sclerosis Infographic: Coping With MS Brain Fog (Infographic)
MS Brain Fog Infographic Infographic: It’s common for people with MS to notice cognitive problems. Check out this MS brain fog infographic for some tips on how to manage. – Source: New Life Outlook | Multiple Sclerosis

Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome – What is it? What are it’s signs and how can it be treated?

 

Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome

Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome

A survey has lifted the lid on how men really feel when it comes to talking about sensitive topics, with nearly half of British men (49%) more comfortable discussing difficult financial matters than sensitive health issues such as loss of libido.

With only 4 in 10 (41%) regularly speaking with their partner about their physical and mental health, sensitive issues are proving to be a harder topic for today’s man to tackle, even in 2016.

However, experts are concerned that men’s lack of openness about their health may be stopping them from tackling any issues they are facing.

One such issue is  testosterone deficiency syndrome or TDS, which affects around 700,000 men aged between 50 and 79 in the UK.

So we decided to interview Dr Douglas Savage who is both a GP and men’s health expert to find more about testosterone deficiency syndrome.  What are the signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency syndrome?  How is testosterone deficiency syndrome treated?  Who is affected by testosterone deficiency syndrome?  Find out more in this fascinating interview below!

Patient Talk – From a clinical point of view, what is testosterone deficiency syndrome?


Dr Doug Savage – It’s a combination of a lower level of testosterone than normal and typical symptoms, the typical symptoms are what we call sexual and non-sexual ones, the sexual ones may be, erection problems and the non-sexual ones which are often actually more striking than the sexual ones , excessive fatigue, poor concentration, the patient often uses the word brain fog , they tend to find it difficult to think things through , they may have a depressed moods, they may be irritable , some of them get excess sweating but I would say the most striking one is the fatigue they often say it’s ridiculous as they could sit down and go straight to sleep.

Patient Talk – Who is affected by testosterone deficiency syndrome?

Dr Doug Savage – This can occur in men of all ages but it’s defiantly like a lot of other things most common as you get older and the reason it gets common as you get older is there is obviously a slight falling of testosterone with age so it’s often related to lifestyle deterioration as one gets older, it’s the same as putting weight on around the middle and as weight goes on around the middle this lowers testosterone and they often get into a vicious cycle as the more fat that goes on there lowers testosterone further and also lack of exercise, so once again this is a condition in many men related to lifestyle but it isn’t all that mainly slim men who exercise but it can get it but its commoner with people with poor lifestyle.

Patient Talk – And what are the main causes of TDS and are there other common co-commodities

Dr Doug Savage – Right so we’ve been into that already it often part of lifestyle or poor lifestyle so excess fat particular around the middle , lack of exercise but it’s also associated with typical medical conditions the commonest one being type  2 diabetes and it can occur in about 40% in those patients, its commoner in man with high blood pressure , cardiovascular disease so many who have had heart attacks, it’s also quite common in men with chronic  diseases so what we call in nowadays CODP or what the public often call chronic bronchitis, people with poor kidney function and liver function and deterioration, HIV patients and also the thing that people may not be aware of is people who use chronically powerful pain relievers, it can occur there and often missed there because people just think that they feel sleepy because of the medication .

Patient Talk – Ok and what are the treatments of TDS?

Dr Doug Savage – There are many which will obviously will be discussed with the doctor in detail but generally like so many other conditions it starts with lifestyle modification, reducing that weight and increasing exercise but other treatments are several and would be discussed with your physician.

Patient Talk – And how effective are these treatments?

Dr Doug Savage – The great majority of men do improve both with rising level of testosterone and deduction in their symptoms and I would say there is quite a variation in the speed of recovery , you really do you know working as a doctor in this field many years you do get what I call miracle men and you know within two or three weeks they have just transformed, they will often say ‘god I feel 20 years younger ‘ so that’s the dramatic improvement which is unusual to be honest with you it’s generally a more slow improvement over months and for a few people it’s really a long time until they get fully well maybe even a year or so. We have established one of the reasons of that is connected with what we call ‘deficiency of the testosterone sector ‘basically it’s one thing improving the level of testosterone in the blood stream but obviously what matters is how their body uses that testosterone and its now been shown that peoples efficiency various from one person to another which can’t be predicted but I do warn all patient that this may take some time but be patient.

Patient Talk – Ok and what is the general prognosis of TDS and what changes in lifestyle that someone with TDS expect?

Dr Doug Savage – Well its great in the sense of that many patients we see will say ‘ oh I’ve tried this diet , I’ve tried this and I can’t seem to lose weight’ well what is amazing is often it’s a combination of lifestyle intervention so that’s obviously eating more appropriate food and less of it and medical treatment and if you put the two together that often does produce great improvements in symptoms and the waistline and there are definite trails showing that waist measurement can reduce on treatment and indeed in men improvement of a diabetic control for a diabetic, improvement of blood pressure as if they are losing weight than obviously that will improve so a combination of lifestyle and other treatments can have a great response.

Patient Talk – Ok and what advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with TDS?

Dr Doug Savage – Well to follow the doctor’s advice as I said, the problem is as we know we never, patients particularly men are terrible at taking following up appointments, getting blood tests and you know I do feel sorry for patients as like everybody else we have such busy lives and obviously it’s too tempting to not go back for review so it is very important that a patient attends follow up appointments and the appropriate blood tests.

Patient Talk  – Ok and where can people go for more information?

Dr Doug Savage – Right well there is a very good website its especially about TDS and that is called www.whatistds.com and they can obviously google TDS deficiency symptoms and there is a lot of information there, there is loads of information out there and that’s one thing men are least good at they are not very good at talking about things but they are very good at doing the research online and there is plenty of information.

Patient Talk – Ok Dr Savage thank you very much.

7 WAYS TO REGAIN THE LOST MEMORY!


Getting rid of brain fog

Getting rid of brain fog

Most of us have had that brain fog (or fibro fog) moment that we can’t remember anything. Had ever forgotten the name of your favorite rapper or the teacher that sent you to the teacher’s lounge? While the above situations area is fairly trivial in most of our lives, they may have a strong impact on our brain that may have adverse effects.

Well, I have always stressed the need for proper healthy brain foods in a bid to make your memory sharper. Nutrition can play a pivotal role in your brain’s neurological health that may include maintaining and improving memory. The next time you can recall your favorite rapper, blame it on whatever it is that you’re feed your body with.

Why is your memory going down south?

Everyone is worried about the loss of memory, and this has prompted a majority of us to search for solutions to enhance and protect our memory. The quality of life, level of stress, food, drugs, and some lifestyle choices of a fast-paced urban lifestyle could be the main cause of your dwindling memory. But worry not, I got your back.


  1. Prevention is the best cure

The best way to regain lost memory is not to lose it in the first place. Eating healthy and leading a healthy lifestyle will do just that. There are select foods that are proven to slow down and halt memory loss, and improve cognitive function. Lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking and alcohol can also be beneficial. Take Provasil brain supplement. It contains essential fats and vitamins that work round the clock to maintain your general brain health

  1. Use mnemonics

This is a great tool and easy one to master, not just for patients with illnesses that cause short-term memory loss. Mnemonics is basically a technique of attaching an image, word or phrase to an object. This skill is easy but powerful, and it ensures that memorization sticks in your brain like super glue.

  1. Exercise

Physical activities can help boost blood flow to your brain thus improving functioning. Do a short session of stretches when you get out of bed in the morning to wake your mind up. If you have enough time, aim for half an hour of moderate aerobic exercise for about three or four times every week.

  1. Set up a daily routine

A daily routine will to a large extent improve your short term rather than your long term memory, it will enable you overcome some of the drawbacks you experience caused by short-term memory loss and reduced frustration. The security of having a constant routine will enable you to focus on the fun parts of improving your memory, not on stressful parts of losing it.

  1. Keep a journal

If you really struggle to remember what transpired the previous day, start with writing down you day’s proceedings in a journal. Note down important pieces of information or any other things that you’d like to remember; food was eaten, people met, etc.

  1. Try chunking and grouping

If you are required, memorize something very important, and you’re finding it hard to memorize and remember, separate the information into smaller groups. The best items to chunk are phone numbers. Instead of memorizing the ten digit number as ten different numbers, it is easier to remember one four digit number (mostly the prefix part) and two three-digits numbers

  1. Enlist the help of a trusted friend

Explain yourself to a trusted friend and have him or her attend social engagements with you. Your friend can help remember directions, appointments, your wallet, names among other things that help smooth out your social interactions.

References

Author Bio

Meighan Sembrano

Meighan Sembrano

Meighan Sembrano is an author . She has a keen interest in writing. She has contributed many beauty related articles in many popular websites. She has done her Mass Communication degree. She now lives in Washington DC. She is a social worker who spends her free time searching about life, healthy, beauty and lifestyles fitness related articles. She is fond of travelling and trekking. To know more about her, follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Have you ever suffered from Brain Fog / Fibro Fog or Cognitive Dysfunction? Take our poll and join the discussion!


Brain fog

Brain fog

Over the year or so this blog has been running there has been quite a bit of interest in the area of brain fog or cognitive dysfunction.  Very common for people with such varying conditions as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia!  Also known as the “clouding of consciousness”!

We have been running a discussion blog here (https://patienttalk.org/?p=563).  This should give you a good overview of the issues involved.

We thought it would be of value to find out what proportion of our readers have ever suffered from brain fog.  It would be great if you could take the poll below to tell us about yourself.

Feel free to share your brain fog story using the comment box below

Thanks very much in advance.



No Brain Fog for Christmas – or any day. The PatientTalk.Org Advent Calendar Day Six


Today is the sixth in our Advent series of health awareness images.

A sort of online Advent Calendar for health. It would be great if you could like and maybe share the image on our status for just a few minutes.

Brain fog

Brain fog