I have memory problems too but they seem to happen sporatically. It will be things like I can't remember the name of something when I am talking. So maybe it isn't quite the same.

I am a firm believer of listening to our bodies. Do you think if you are getting fatigued by the end of the day, an afternoon nap might be good? I know it is tough to fit in but even 15-20 minutes works wonders for me.

I would absolutely talk to your doctor about it. You have a choice if you do tests. I think doctors understand our reluctance to do more tests. They should be able to determine possible causes and let you decide if a test fits in your budget.

Hang in there. You are doing so well.

I can relate, Brenda. And, yes, my memory gets more cloudy whenever I am tired. I used to have a very keen mind, with the proverbial "memory like an elephant." But no more. I blame it on PM and the 3 years of prednisone. The most frustrating part for me is the slower processing time of my brain, which causes delayed responses from me whenever I'm spoken to or asked a question. And if there is too much mental stimulation or input at the same time.......sigh! I used Neuro PS (phosphotidylserine--??) for awhile, and it seemed to help. But it was too pricey. Don't hesitate to inform your doctor. He might have an easy solution. Blessings and best wishes to you.

You might find this old post helpful.
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Polymyositis-and-Dermatomyositis/forum/11803879-ever-had-problem

I get it too in various ways. Especially when I am tired -I like The idea of a nap. I will forget what I would say, a word, a train of thought, overwhelmed, and at times, brain fade while driving.

I would mention to your doctor and see what he says -:)

Gosh - having the same issues but I thought it was just part of aging (I am 62). I try to do games, read, joined a choir, to over come the memory problem. I am really bad with names and can't think of words sometimes in the middle of a sentence. Didn't know DM affected the brain but I will read the post below.

I too use to be able to remember everything and did a lot of online courses, etc. Now I can't stop a sentence or I may not be able to finish it. I feel like there is a block at the front of my skull and thoughts can't get through. I bet it is the Prednisone. I have also noticed that when I read, which I do a lot because I love to read, I can't remember much afterwards and sometimes have to go back and re-read what I have just finished. It is like eating a very good meal and not being able to taste it.

Brenda I see those two things as different. The needing to reread stuff is focus and not memory and i think that is definately linked to steroids. Have you tried Medrol yet?? It is night and day for me. On prednisone i can't focus at all, and on medrol i can focus for hours on end.
The can't find a word mid sentence is more a memory task, and i too have this issue since getting DM. I think it is based on not enough blood to the brain. It gets worse for me if i am walking at a store, or doing something, my muscles call for more blood and oxygen and my head goes dull. But if i an sitting watching a tv show, i can usually carry on a nice conversation with hubby.
It might be worth trying a different steroid. I feel like i say this all the time. It really is night and day for me on the two drugs. One is liveable the other is certifiable, like i need to be institutionalized on Prednisone!!!!
I wish you all the best.
Shawna

Brenda, I recently went to the neurologist for my yearly check. I am also bothered by memory problems. DM is a collagen vascular disease. I really do not want collagen vascular dementia. High cholesterol is a contributor to dementia because our bodies do not process cholesterol correctly. Inflamation is another issue. I try to eat a low cholesterol diet and eat foods with lots of antioxidants. It is important to talk to the doctor. I hope you will get good answers. Keep us posted.

Brenda I can so relate!!!! Most days I am ok first thing in the morning but like you by noon I am toast. My mind just isn't what it used to be. It's like my mind and body parts aren't in sync. At times I can't lift my legs to go up stairs....its like I don't know how to go up them. I love to knit and sew, nothing special just easy projects but I am unable to now. I know how to do it but I can't figure it out......very strange. My daughter recently asked me to write something about her and her childhood for her wedding website and it took me 5 days to do it. Finally after 4 or 5 days I had a good clear day and got her done. Now I can't blame it on prednisone because I have not taken it for over a year. I also have vasculitis so it could be a combination of the 2.

If you get any answers or help from a doctor for it please let me know. I'm being given all kinds of tests so hopefully they will figure out why....

hugs!!!

barb