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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How Often Do Each Person Experience Brain Fog?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
The universe

Lately, I realized I’m forgetting a bit more. It’s not noticeable but enough for me to question it. I don’t remember certain things I learned, at time I’m spaced out and once back I’m in panic mode. Is it due to the hiv, the anxiety and depression?
Currently on Biktarvy, Escitalopram and Amitriptyline

July 8, 2021
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Answer Summary

Members shared widespread experiences of brain fog in response to someone questioning whether their forgetfulness was related to HIV,... Read more

Members shared widespread experiences of brain fog in response to someone questioning whether their forgetfulness was related to HIV, medications, or mental health, with many describing similar struggles including leaving stoves on, forgetting where they parked, losing their train of thought mid-sentence, and difficulty with spelling or simple tasks they once performed easily. Several members offered practical coping strategies such as using phone timers and reminders, sticky notes, brain games and apps, therapy including cognitive and hypnotic approaches, staying physically active, and leaning on humor and community support rather than shame when memory lapses occur. A recurring theme was the difficulty in pinpointing whether brain fog stems from HIV itself, antiretroviral medications, aging, mental health conditions, or a combination of all these factors, with many emphasizing the importance of discussing concerns openly with doctors and therapists while finding personalized tools to manage daily life.

A myHIVteam Member

They're currently no clinical studies that I know of using the brain and HIV but I know that other organs like the heart are being looked at.A while back my cognitive therapist did share with me that a lot of HIV people with advanced HIV , as far as time is concerned ,...do experience some type of memory loss.... having said that my HIV doctor has said that the majority of his aging HIV clients all experience brain fog. I wish more can be studied on this subject... 💋💛💜🧡❤️💙💚🌈🙏😊🤪

July 8, 2021 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

All the time. That's why sticky notes are my best friend

July 8, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

As we get older our memory gets full. That's why it's hard to remember names.

November 11, 2022
A myHIVteam Member

@A myHIVteam Member I feel you. I was the same way. I carry a backpack so I remember where I leave my things. I would leave my wallet and car keys in the stores. Imagine walking through the aisle searching or trying to figure out where I parked. It was ongoing for months. I even thought someone stole the truck. I’m learning to pause and calm myself down before I breakout into a full on attack. I’m still new to this and each time I’m learning more. I’m the type to don’t ask and not tell. It leads to nothing but self doubt and angry with myself for forgetting.

August 31, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

Ahhh i love my forgetful moments. I blame it on ny grandma alzheimer and my fathers dementia. Lol.

August 30, 2021

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