Dementia in 30's?

[moocow123456]

I am 31 and developed epilepsy 2.5 years ago. Just adding this in in case it might be relevant. I had a Grande Mal seizure and have had Petite Mal seizures ever since. Medication (Lamotrigine) has been increased several times and I have now gone 4 months without any seizures.

My memory started to get quite poor a few years back, but since having my 2 children (ages 2&4), it has really deteriorated.

I have started to worry recently about having Dementia. After looking it up, I realised I have a lot of the symptoms.
I can have a conversation and afterwards I have almost no idea what I've said. I can't remember the main points of the conversation if Go to repeat it to my partner later. I really struggle to remember what I have done earlier on in the week etc. if o drink a coffee then my brain is really affected. Sometimes I get confused if people are having a conversation. I struggle to keep up with what they are saying and I find I zone in and out and I can feel myself getting confused. If I am tired or stressed I start to stutter or I find I can't get my words out or I can't even think of the word I want to say. This started after I developed epilepsy. My sense of direction is absolutely appalling. I have gotten lost in a kids soft play! I repeat questions a few times in a conversation (didn't really notice I did it until someone joked about it). I also say the same phrases all the time. I also lose my balance at times but I guess this could be down to epilepsy and medication. I just never feel like I'm on the same planet as everyone else. My colleagues sometimes look at me as if I'm an absolute lunatic when we have conversations and I suspect I probably say stupid things and repeat the same words and questions and I just generally get confused.

Has anyone been in a similar position? I'm thinking of ringing the doctors next week.

Have you had any blood tests recently?

Many deficiencies can cause memory loss -B12, Ferritin, Vitamin D & thyroid function- I know some meds for epilepsy can cause Vitamin D deficiency but I’m not sure about your one.

I know how concerned you must be. I too thought I was suffering early onset dementia when I suddenly couldn’t remember how to get to somewhere I’d driven to weekly for 15 years, I forgot my phone number, couldn’t remember words or names. I felt like colleagues though I wasn’t performing in my role well.

Blood tests for the above revealed a number of low results & treatment made a huge difference. I hope it’s something simple like that for you. Do phone & book to speak to the dr to talk about your concerns and request blood tests.

OP how are you going with this ?
I certainly can relate I am 42 and feel EXACTLY the same way and have the same issues along with facial recognition problems
It is getting so bad that this morning I didn't think i had had breakfast then remembered as I was about to make some that I had.
I forget where I put things all the time and don't even get me started on trying to learn a new task. I cant take any information in at all.
I have been to the gp about 4 months ago and she started me on anti depressants. As the previous poster said it can do with other medical issues and after a full blood test I have started vitamin d as that was very low. However I dont think she is taking this seriously and seems to be putting it down too depression.
I feel like I might go and get another opinion.

My dh is going through similar right now. It's very scary for him but his neurology consultant is still feeling positive. Have you got a review scheduled?

As you are concerned, you should speak to your GP. Other conditions can result in poor memory, and it might be that you are lacking in some essential nutrients, which only a blood test will confirm.

What Tonya said.

fwiw, my cousin developed dementia in his early 30s -- this happened because he has Downs Syndrome.

Epilepsy causes enough challenges in your life and to your memory, you don't need to think about dementia too.

@AnAussieMum I have exactly the same symptoms as you.

I rang the GP and she told me to get in touch with my Neurologist in case he wanted to carry out further scans or to discuss whether my medication could be causing it.

Wish I had mentioned having blood tests etc to check for any deficiencies. I am seeing her on Wednesday for something unrelated so I will mention blood tests then!

@lljkk Thank you so much for that link! I will have a proper read of it tonight.

Does anyone in your family have early onset dementia? The reason I ask is the majority of early onset dementias are genetic ( and very rare) while sporadic onset is more common in elderly people.

As others have said there can be many reasons why your suffering memory problems so seeing your GP about it is the first step.

Could it be early menopause? Peri menopause can cause brain fog

OP, speak to your GP. As well as the suggestions of PPs, your symptoms may simply be due to your Lamotrigine. It can cause sedation, fatigue and confusion, especially at higher doses. DD used to fall asleep on the toilet while on it, and had to take sick leave from work as she couldn’t function mentally on it.

You need to speak to your epilepsy consultant. My DH has epilepsy and over the 30+ years weve been together he has tried many different medications, some which have made his epilepsy worse. His memory has always been bad and its difficult knowing if this is due to his brain damage or the medication. However some previous medication has made his memory worse so it might be worth trying another medication to see if it helps.

I think 30 is too young for dementia normally - early onset seems to start in 50s.

Imcheck online for side effects of your epilepsy medication. Some do cause forgetfulness and confusion. As you probably know, so can a seizure but that would be temporary...