Re: More on Memory Loss

[Guest guest]

I too vote for sleep deprivation as a greater cause of memory loss

than RLS treatment drugs. I was suffering severe memory loss prior to

getting my RLS fairly well under control (Mirapex and Vicodin or

Xanax). Now that I generally manage about 5 hours of good sleep most

nights, my memory has been restored to nearly as good as it ever was.

I think I could benefit from more sleep, but my body (brain?) won't

allow it. I truly felt like a walking zombie prior to the drugs.

--, 52, semi-tropical western NY

[Guest guest]

I too vote for sleep deprivation as a greater cause of memory loss

than RLS treatment drugs. I was suffering severe memory loss prior to

getting my RLS fairly well under control (Mirapex and Vicodin or

Xanax). Now that I generally manage about 5 hours of good sleep most

nights, my memory has been restored to nearly as good as it ever was.

I think I could benefit from more sleep, but my body (brain?) won't

allow it. I truly felt like a walking zombie prior to the drugs.

--, 52, semi-tropical western NY

[Guest guest]

I too vote for sleep deprivation as a greater cause of memory loss

than RLS treatment drugs. I was suffering severe memory loss prior to

getting my RLS fairly well under control (Mirapex and Vicodin or

Xanax). Now that I generally manage about 5 hours of good sleep most

nights, my memory has been restored to nearly as good as it ever was.

I think I could benefit from more sleep, but my body (brain?) won't

allow it. I truly felt like a walking zombie prior to the drugs.

--, 52, semi-tropical western NY

[Guest guest]

Group,

I too wonder about the memory loss thing, (mostly short term). I take Xanax,

usually .5 at bedtime. When I complain my husband reminds me that I " always "

have had problems remembering things I need to do. He doesn't think there is

any change at all. Since I am now 56, I guess it is to be expected to lose a

little.

I have done some reading on the use it or lose it thing related to the brain.

I do believe you have to keep challenging your mind to keep it sharp. I also

think that poor sleep is a major factor. When I am sleeping OK I don't notice

it so much.

I retired two weeks ago, and we are getting ready to head for Texas for the

winter. I no longer have my one hour drive to work, and have been able to

sleep about another hour in the morning. My husband retires next week, and

then I can wake up when I wake up. I did notice a difference in not being so

tired during the day, and am looking forward to seeing how this retirement

thing will affect my legs over time. Right now we are pretty stressed getting

ready to go and adjusting to such a major life change.

Jo from Mo