Ankylosing spondylitiscan affect the way your brain works.
It can cause problems with thinking, remembering, and concentrating.
The effect can worsen over time and prevent you from taking care of yourself.
Pornpak Khunatorn / Getty Images
Pornpak Khunatorn / Getty Images
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Affect the Brain?
Ankylosing spondylitis is a lifelong illness that can worsen over time.
As the condition progresses, its impact can spread and affect your brain.
The consequences of ankylosing spondylitis on the brain vary by individual.
Symptoms can range from subtle to severe.
It can affect your ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions normally.
Symptoms can range from unusual forgetfulness to difficulty remembering common people and situations.
Memory loss can include the following symptoms:
Brain Lesions
Brain lesionsare abnormalities in your brain.
They can occur as a result of many factors, including inflammation.
The impact of brain lesions depends on their location and the specific role of that area in the brain.
Chronic Inflammation
Ankylosing spondylitis causes chronic inflammation, primarily affecting the spine andsacroiliac jointin your lower back.
Cognitive dysfunction has been linked to inflammation.
Chronic Pain
Chronic painis a common symptom of ankylosing spondylitis.
Issues with fatigue,sleep deprivation, memory loss, and mood disorders commonly accompany fibromyalgia.
In addition, the rate of cognitive decline increases in response to pain severity.
It can also occur as the result of the interaction of two or more drugs taken together.
The effect can create an ongoing risk of cognitive dysfunction from new medications or changing doses.
Sudden changes to your medication can affect your treatment plan and possibly jeopardize your well-being.
Poor Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for normal, healthy cognitive function.
Sleep disturbances resulting inpoor sleep qualityare significantly higher in people with ankylosing spondylitis versus those without the disease.
According to one study, about 58% of people with ankylosing spondylitis report sleep disturbances.
Research indicates that people with the highest level of disease activity are likely to have the worst sleep quality.
Studies indicate that depression, anxiety, and anger are linked with cognitive dysfunction and a higher risk ofdementia.
A mood disorder like depression or anxiety may also accelerate the natural cognitive decline that occurs with aging.
Be open and honest about your symptoms and how they affect your quality of life.
Ensure they are aware of all your medications, even over-the-counter products and those you take for other conditions.
Identifying the cause of your problem is the first step in getting the right treatment and reducing long-term damage.
Some symptoms of cognitive dysfunction require prompt care.
It can also affect your brain and your ability to perform normal functions.
These changes can cause brain fog, memory loss, or brain lesions.
They can affect the way your brain thinks, remembers, and concentrates.
Finding the cause of brain-related symptoms can help improve the problem.
Factors like pain, inflammation, drugs, or poor sleep can be the source of these symptoms.
Making the necessary changes can often help reduce symptoms and improve mental function.
A Word From Verywell
Dealing with brain-related symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can feel overwhelming.
Don’t delay seeking support.
Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to reduce symptoms that are affecting the ways you think and concentrate.
Until your problems improve, do what is necessary to remain healthy and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ankylosing spondylitis can affect many areas of the body.
Ankylosing spondylitis can causesecondary headachesin several ways.
Symptoms of cognitive dysfunction can range from mild to severe and vary by individual.
Symptoms can also include trouble identifying familiar people and behavioral changes.
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