Thyroid Brain Fog and Overcoming Memory Loss When You Have Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism
Do you have Thyroid Brain Fog? Do you identify yourself as a forgetful person? Are you commonly searching for lost keys, household items, searching for that right word that you can’t seem to recall? This could be due to Thyroid Brain Fog. The most common thyroid disease is Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, and it’s inhibition of some brain activity, especially when poorly managed can cause Thyroid Brain Fog.
Signs of brain degeneration or tissue atrophy often begin with memory impairment. People dealing with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism and Graves’s Disease in particular need to take notice of this, as brain health and thyroid function are tightly linked.
Forgetfulness isn’t necessarily due to age
The simply physiology is: when a section of the brain begins to lose its function, it is reflected in symptoms associated with that area. For example, depression, decreased coordination, memory loss, difficulty with balancing, loss of math ability are all symptoms that can be tied to certain parts of the brain.
At either side of your brain are what’s known as temporal lobes. These areas direct hearing, memory, speech, smell and emotional responses.
The hippocampus lies within each temporal lobe, and is important for sense of direction, learning and memory, the circadian rhythm and spatial orientation. If these sections begin to degenerate, brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s become likely.
Where does the thyroid come in? Brain cells depend on thyroid hormone for proper function, and when this is deprived due to poor thyroid activity, brain health immediately declines. This should not be put down as a regular occurrence, but rather a call to take action.
What is brain degeneration?
Neurons form the basis of all brain communication via electrical signals, subsequently directing all physical activity. When neurons die, this is called neurodegeneration. When a neuron dies, you cannot get it back. However, the brain can form new branches between existing neurons to compensate for these losses. This process is referred to as neuroplasticity.
Neurodegeneration is a normal part of aging, however can be managed to an extent. Slowing neuron death and helping with neuroplasticity can promote good brain function. A good measure of brain age is the balance between neurodegeneration and neuroplasticity.
Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism can be very problematic for these processes – poor thyroid function, lack of circulation and chronic inflammation all speed neurodegeneration.
Neurodegeneration associated with Hashimoto’s
Brain degeneration occurs with various important factors. Brain injury, insufficient social, mental and physical stimulation, and unmanaged Hashimoto’s symptoms accelerate this process.
Since it is impossible to regrow dead neurons, beginning sooner rather than later with protecting your brain health is so important. It is very possible to slow down the neurodegenerative process – avoiding exacerbating issues and promoting neuroplasticity is key. The sooner you can implement this the better. Managing Hashimoto’s is step one.
What to watch for when you have Hashimoto’s, Graves’ Disease or Hypothyroidism
- Is there noticeable loss to your short-term memory?
- Are you losing your sense of direction?
- Do you forget why you go into rooms around the house, lose your keys or forget where you parked your car?
- Do you experience tinnitus or ringing in your ears?
- Do you find difficulty hearing when there is background noise?
- Do you experience episodes of fatigue throughout the day?
Of course these issues occur on occasion, however when they become regular in your life it is something to take notice of. It is important to take action by managing your Hashimoto’s symptoms – improve gut health, circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Another key factor is exercising the brain! Just like if you don’t use a muscle, the tissue will atrophy. Choosing a brain exercise is simple – anything you find difficult. You only need to engage the brain. Do math equations if you find it hard; take a painting class if you aren’t naturally inclined for art; do some yoga if you have poor balance.
Brain exercises, good dietary habits, and an active lifestyle are very solid foundations for supporting brain health and neuroplasticity into old age. Properly managing Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism is also fundamental in this.
Contact my office (828) 324-0800 for advice on improving brain function and better managing your Hashimoto’s, Graves’ or hypothyroidism. Interested in working with Dr. Shook? You can lern about the application process here: https://drbradshook.com/new-patient-center/
