I found this excerpt on another forum. Is there any validity to this? If so it explains so much to me. I would never have thought it would be connected to my memory or cognitive issues I've been having. My husband actually asked me if I was abusing some sort of drug because of it. "........Unlikely as it seems, vestibular damage can cause memory problems. Here is why. When you damage your vestibular system, keeping your balance is now largely a conscious effort, not the automatic effortless procedure it once was. Consequently, those areas of your brain that you once just used for thought and memory, now must constantly work on keeping you balanced. As a result, your memory may suffer. You may grope for words when talking. You may easily forget what is being spoken about during a conversation. You may be easily distracted. You may have difficulty comprehending directions or instructions. You may have trouble concentrating and may feel disoriented at times........."
There are several threads here regarding cognition. Drs don't tell you about it. Maybe they haven't put it together yet. Cognition affects us in so many ways. That's been a problem of mine for awhile now and it's getting worse. I am working hard to do things that make me use my brain with memory. Puzzles and word games. Doing things in series instead of one thing at a time. Little tricks. I can't multi-task anymore.
I suspect that the vast proportion of memory loss in vestibular patients is due to taking benzos. They are known to cause memory loss, and are linked to Alzheimer's. My memory came back once I quit taking them.
While I do occasionally take benzos for the Meniere's, I noticed the cognitive issues before I started taking them. I do think benzos can do that but I don't think that is what my issue is.
Cognition issues related to Meniere's probably have a number of explanations, only one of which I'll mention here, inasmuch as its treatment has been very successful in so many cases. Vinpocetine dilates capillaries throughout the nervous system, particularly in the brain, increasing oxygenated blood flow, which facilitates normal cognition. A number of drugs and supplements can do this, but only vinpocetine increases cerebral (brain) blood flow without diverting blood from other areas of the brain or from other organ systems. This is one reason vinpocetine is a drug of choice in the treatment of Meniere's in Russia and Eastern Europe (where it it known as "caviton"). It dilates capillaries supplying blood to both the brain and to the inner ear. A 10 mg dose of vinpocetine can markedly improve thinking (cognition). Some college students pop 10 mg of vinpocetine before an exam. It markedly helps the recall of information. I include vinpocetine in my Meniere's Treatment Regimen: http://www.zoominternet.net/~kcshop/JOH.pdf The inflammation caused by Meniere's restricts inner ear blood flow, exacerbating symptoms. --John of Ohio
I'm finding that my memory is getting worse, almost like it could be dementia, I can't type on the computer without redoing my mistakes, I forget things very easily like where I put my phone, keys etc..,it's getting worse every day. It's very obvious now so am getting concerned Been on klonopin for years for another issue so could be that but was wondering if anyone else experiences this problem..Thanks
A most interesting thread. My memory is surely getting worse (just ask my wife!) and I'm trying to think back to figure if it has gotten worse since my diagnosis. Definitely over the past few years shows a sharp decline. It makes sense that something is sacrificed cognition-wise when the brain is busy trying to maintain balance, etc.
Hearing loss is also associated with dementia. They don't understand why, completely, yet. But one thread is that people with hearing loss exercise less (and I would think, from my experience, that would apply to vestibular issues, too), and exercise is protective or negatively associated with dementia. Double whammy.
Mines been shot for years....As long as I remember Christmas, Wife and Kids birthdays and Anniversary I should be ok to those that matter to me. They all think I'm an idiot anyways so the bar is low for me on the cognitive side of things.