Apnea Forum Posting

Posted by RenoTom on June 11, 2001 at 21:15:25:

In Reply to: Memory Improvements (When?) posted by Debbie on June 10, 2001 at 23:25:20:

Prior to the start of BIPAP therapy, I lived in a constant state of fatigue. I felt little or no change from that condition after either sleeping all weekend, or getting only a few hours of sleep in a night.
I did realize that I had a number of problems including cognitive difficulties and short term memory problems.
I have read a few short term, small scale studies that indicated that most problems are aleviated within six months, except the short term memory problems, but I want to emphasize that these are small studies.
It is my understanding that there are some large scale, long term studies on this subject being conducted now.
On the personal side of things I have had a few experiences when I took extended breaks (6 months) from work situations, and when returning to the grind had to relearn/refresh my abilities to stay on top of situations in which I would be involved with 3 or 4 projects at once.
After starting BIPAP I experienced a number of set backs, and consequently was paying back sleep debt up to a year later. And I was feeling improvement in short term memory and cognitive functioning during that time.
At the present time my short term memory is pretty good except for a few notable exceptions. I recognise names okay, and I do okay with faces, but putting them together can be pretty difficult. I can tell you many details about the individual and business transactions I have had with him, but may not immediately recognize him if he walked in. This has gotten some better, but is still difficult.
In some cases a business transaction may not come to mind when mentioned, but when I look at a related document, I can usually relate all details.
I do make effort at practicing things that will enhance my abilities. Puzzles, math functions, solitaire, anything that I can tie speed to visual and motor skills and cognitive thinking. I think a lot of this can be learned or at least improved.
Now the hard part. I don't know if you can use the experiences of one person to tell what will happen to you. Expecially to use me as that person. My father died after suffering with alzheimers for a long period of time. My mother had suffered from dementia (never diagnosed as alzheimers, probably from TIA's/strokes). My mother probably had sleep apnea for years, and the dementia may be related.
My condition has definatly improved, and there seems to be continuing improvement. I think that it is an individual thing, but that for most the conditions will improve. If not there are many things that we can learn to do to supplement what we have. Post It Notes are a wonderful tool!
RenoTom

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