HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Forgetfulness With Age Be A Result Of Depression?

a very active life even up to the last moment of his retirement. He was a political activist and he was one of those few persons who built the communist movement in this part of Assam. He was also put into prison for more than one year during emergency. He also became an M.L.A. in 1977 from communist party. In his personal life, he maintained utmost simplicity and honesty. He tirelessly fought against all odds and hurdles that he came across during his life. He was a voracious reader and inspired all of the family members to read books. Although he did not have formal education in science, he was very interested in science and mathematics. Some household electrical works or some scientific My father, who retired as Principal of a college of Assam in 1997, is 74 years old. He led projects were his hobby. I do remember vividly some occasions, where he was engrossed in our high school mathematics along with us. In his early life he used to write, but in later period of his life he rarely wrote and took lots of time in editing. He was an acute observer of the social-political development and showed immense interest in the discussions. He also used to paint and act in drama and in these cases also his topics of interest were mainly the lives of common people or some radical ideas. ( I know that these might be very boring for you and you would be interested to meet the patient, but I am giving you my opinion about my father under the impression that such information might also be useful to you.)
My father does not have diabetes and hypertension problem. But from 2007, we have observed a gradual development of forgetfulness. Initially we did not give much interest in it because my father never had a very good memory. He could never remember the years of important historical events and he was never interested for it also. But, when he started asking the very same question several times a day, we noticed it. We met neurologist and he was prescribed donep, then donamem-10. He is now taking Donamem-10 every day. One and half years back he was diagnosed with Thyroid problem and took Eltroxine-1. Six months back we stopped Eltroxine-1 without any discussion with the doctor ( That was wrong , I know). Three months back, his TSH was found 12. But till now he has not started Thyroid medicine. Few days back, ECG test and Chest X-ray was done. The ECG report mentioned slight abnormality in anterior leads and the X-Ray report noted mild cardiomegaly. Now a days he does not read, just gives a bird eye view on daily paper. He complains that he can not concentrate. He does not seem to have interest on anything, political discussion in TV, films , serials, games (He did not have much interest on films, serials and games in his active life also.). Most of the time he speaks about his childhood and his young active life, his political experiences, his struggles of life, his successful period as Principal etc. and he speaks them repeatedly. But very recently he has reduced talking. Most of the time a gloomy and depressing look appear on his face. To some extent he still loves traveling; but not that much.

I have written all those things because, besides early Alzheimer (As said by doctor), I am under the impression that his forgetfulness may also be the result of his depression, which is curable. Does it have any relation with Thyroid problem?
Would you kindly suggest me? Should he continue Donamem-10? Should he resume Thyroid medicine? Would you recommend any hospitals or specialist inside India where we should treat father? Would you give any instructions which the family members should follow?
Wed, 30 Jul 2014
Report Abuse
Addiction Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi,

Yes, besides Alzheimer's, depression can also cause forgetfulness. Depression does have a link with thyroid disease. Most probably, the current depressive episode started because his thyroid hormone supplements were stopped. He should continue with Donamem as he seems to have Alzheimer's. He should restart thyroid hormone supplements and be regularly monitored by his doctor. He will also need a psychiatric consultation for management of depression.

Best wishes.

I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful


Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on X ray


Loading Online Doctors....
Can Forgetfulness With Age Be A Result Of Depression?

Hi, Yes, besides Alzheimer s, depression can also cause forgetfulness. Depression does have a link with thyroid disease. Most probably, the current depressive episode started because his thyroid hormone supplements were stopped. He should continue with Donamem as he seems to have Alzheimer s. He should restart thyroid hormone supplements and be regularly monitored by his doctor. He will also need a psychiatric consultation for management of depression. Best wishes.