Living with spondylitis — a type of inflammatory arthritis — comes with a long list of symptoms. In addition to common symptoms like back pain, one rare complication of spondylitis and other inflammatory conditions is cognitive impairment. Sometimes called “brain fog,” cognitive impairment can include mental changes such as temporary memory loss, forgetfulness, and difficulty remembering words or phrases.

Forgetting what you were about to say can feel embarrassing, and not remembering if you took your medications can be scary. Let’s explore how ankylosing spondylitis can affect brain function and what you can do to manage memory loss.

What Does Memory Loss With Spondylitis Feel Like?

Like other symptoms of spondylitis, memory loss can vary from person to person. Some members of MySpondylitisTeam describe feeling like their mind is in a fog. Others notice problems with short-term memory.

One member shared, “My brain is barely functioning. I know who I am and who my loved ones are, but my short-term memory is gone, and I can’t remember some things.” Another commented, “I thought I was losing intelligence at some stages. I would forget what I was saying mid-sentence or constantly walk into a room and wonder, ‘Why did I come in here again?’”

For some, memory loss makes it hard to keep track of time or daily tasks. One member experienced severe memory loss that greatly affected their life. “I used to be so smart and as quick as a whip,” they said. “Now, I forget specific words and then entirely forget where I was going with my point. I’ve started isolating myself because nobody understands the chronic pain and brain fog.”

Some members also worry that memory loss could be a sign of another condition, like Alzheimer’s disease. One member shared, “It’s mostly words I’m having trouble with. Hoping it’s not the big A.” Another member was relieved to learn from other members that memory loss is a common symptom of spondylitis: “Wow, memory loss! I thought it was Alzheimer’s. It’s all starting to make sense.”

What Causes Memory Loss in Spondylitis?

Memory loss in spondylitis can be caused by several factors related to the disease and other chronic conditions. Some research has found connections between ankylosing spondylitis and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. If you have ankylosing spondylitis and you or a loved one are concerned about your memory, talk to your healthcare provider. Here are some of the ways ankylosing spondylitis may affect your memory:

Inflammation

A spondylitis flare (or flare-up) occurs when there is increased disease activity, which causes more inflammation in the body. A study in the journal NeuroImage found that this kind of inflammation can cause mental fog in people living with chronic illness. The study looked at three types of attention processes in the brain:

• Orienting — Selecting and prioritizing sensory information
• Alerting — Reaching and maintaining an alert state
• Executive control — Deciding what to focus on when faced with conflicting information

The results showed that inflammation negatively affected brain function. In particular, inflammation had a negative effect on the brain’s ability to stay alert. However, it had no significant effect on orienting or executive control. While inflammation may play a role in memory issues, more research is needed to understand this connection in people with spondylitis.

Chronic Pain

Back and neck pain are common symptoms of spondylitis. This pain can be chronic, meaning it lasts a long time, and may come and go. It may also get better or worse over time. Living with and coping with chronic pain can drain your mental energy, making it harder to focus or think clearly.

Cognitive impairments are also common in fibromyalgia, a condition that causes pain throughout the body. According to the Spondylitis Association of America, people with ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than the general population. Living with chronic pain from conditions like fibromyalgia can take up a lot of mental energy. This leaves less brainpower for tasks like remembering things.

One MySpondylitisTeam member shared, “When I am in a flare, I’m so focused on the pain that I can’t think about much else. I just want to be left alone.”

Poor Sleep and Fatigue

A study of 314 people with ankylosing spondylitis found that 58 percent had trouble sleeping. Good sleep is important for memory consolidation. Poor sleep can impair this process, leading to short-term memory loss.

Fatigue is also common in spondylitis, and it can leave you feeling drained. Spondylitis-related fatigue can also cause cognitive fog — incoherent thoughts and responses — which includes trouble with memory.

Medications

Some medications used to treat spondylitis symptoms have side effects that can affect memory. For example, one member shared, “Taking 1,200 milligrams of gabapentin a day really wiped out my memory big time.”

Other drugs, such as corticosteroids like prednisone, can affect memory as well.

If you notice any side effects from your medications, talk to your rheumatologist. Your doctor can help you adjust your treatment to manage your spondylitis symptoms while minimizing side effects.

Amyloidosis

In some cases, memory loss in people with spondylitis may be caused by a condition called amyloidosis. This happens when a protein called amyloid builds up in the organs. Amyloidosis can occur in people who have had ankylosing spondylitis for many years. Along with symptoms like ankle swelling and weight loss, amyloidosis can cause memory loss, especially if the brain is affected. If you’ve noticed any symptoms of amyloidosis, it’s important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Managing Memory Loss With Spondylitis

Managing memory loss associated with spondylitis is a big concern for many MySpondylitisTeam members. As one member wrote, “I hope there is a treatment for this. I feel silly sometimes not being able to think of what I’m trying to say.” The good news is, there are some techniques you can try to help manage memory loss.

Work Out Your Brain

Keeping your brain active can help improve memory loss, no matter the cause.

Some members have found success with memory games to help keep themselves sharp. “My memory is diminishing and in such decline that I fear for my future. I am playing memory games daily to fight it,” one member said.

Another member recommended online memory games. “Try Yahtzee With Friends and Words With Friends 2,” they said. “Both are good games, fun, and help my memory!”

Get Better Sleep

If pain keeps you awake at night, talk to your doctor. Your healthcare provider may adjust your medication or dosage. In addition, they may suggest taking your medication at different times to help ensure it works all night long. Your doctor may also recommend supplementing your treatments with over-the-counter options, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if the pain is interfering with your sleep.

Focus on Your Diet and Stay Active

A healthy lifestyle can also support brain function and memory. Research shows that eating a healthy diet can help improve memory. Following the Mediterranean diet, in particular, is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Regular physical activity can also help improve memory.

Leave Reminders for Yourself

Writing notes to yourself and making to-do lists can help manage memory loss. One MySpondylitisTeam member said, “I am forgetful. Lists work.” Another agreed, “I used to triple task, but now I’m lucky if I manage to focus on one task at a time! I write everything down and, when I can structure my time, I accomplish more, and that feels good.”

There’s also nothing wrong with asking for help and reminders from people who care. Friends, family members, and caregivers can help you keep track of doctor’s appointments, medications, and other daily tasks.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re experiencing memory loss as a symptom of spondylitis, the most important step is to talk to your doctor. Discussing this symptom can help your healthcare provider figure out the cause of your memory loss and reduce its impact on your life.

It is also important to learn about your condition and how it can change over time. Following your treatment plan can help control inflammation and complications, including those affecting the brain. Your doctor may also recommend psychotherapy to help you understand your diagnosis, adapt to life with chronic pain, and develop coping strategies.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MySpondylitisTeam is the online social network for people with spondylitis and their loved ones. On MySpondylitisTeam more than 99,000 members living with spondylitis come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with ankylosing spondylitis.

How has your memory been affected by spondylitis? Do you have any tips for coping with memory loss and spondylitis? Comment below or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.