Concerns About Cognitive Slowing and DWI MRI Results
Lately, I've noticed a decline in my cognitive speed, particularly when it comes to math. Although I typically rely on calculators for my work, I can't quite recall my mental math abilities prior to experiencing anxiety. Recently, during a spell of worry about prions, I attempted to assess my mathematical skills and found myself making occasional mistakes. For instance, I miscalculated parts of a simple problem, like thinking 100-7 equals 87 instead of correctly identifying it as 93. I caught my error promptly and corrected it to 86. Additionally, I struggle with basic multiplication problems, such as calculating 38 times 9, which shouldn’t be an issue given my background as a programmer. Even straightforward calculations, like determining the number of days between June 4th and June 25th, have me mistakenly arriving at 19 instead of the accurate 21. I consulted a neurologist about my perceived cognitive decline, but they didn't express significant concern regarding my math difficulties. I haven't experienced any noticeable confusion; in fact, I'm still able to conduct thorough research on prions. However, I'm left wondering whether this slowdown is something to worry about or merely a manifestation of anxiety. My DWI results were normal, yet I find myself anxious about whether ribboning might present itself later in the course of the disease. I've encountered literature suggesting that DWI ribboning can sometimes appear before any symptomatic onset, but it also mentions that in rare cases of CJD patients, there may not be any high-intensity signals observable on the DWI. Is it feasible for CJD to occur symptomatically without any DWI lesions being present?
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 12:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a decline in cognitive speed, particularly in math-related tasks, which is understandably causing you concern, especially in the context of your anxiety and your worries about prions. Let's address your concerns systematically.
Key Points:
- Cognitive Slowing: Your recent experiences with math errors are concerning to you, but they may be influenced by anxiety rather than an underlying neurological condition.
- Anxiety's Role: Anxiety can significantly affect cognitive performance, particularly in tasks requiring quick thinking or recall.
- DWI Results: Normal DWI results are a positive sign, as they suggest there aren’t any acute changes or damage to the brain.
Explanation:
Cognitive slowing can manifest as a difficulty with tasks that used to come easily, especially under stress. Given your background as a programmer, it's understandable that you're distressed by these changes. Anxiety can cause temporary cognitive effects, leading to difficulty concentrating and making mental calculations. During anxious moments, your focus may waver, which can lead to errors, even in simple math.
Next Steps:
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Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Engage in mindfulness practices or breathing exercises which can help reduce anxiety and improve concentration. Consider apps or guided videos to assist in these practices.
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Cognitive Exercises: Before trying complex mental tasks, spend a few minutes on simple puzzles or math exercises daily to gradually rebuild confidence and speed. A daily routine of engaging with math problems might help reinforce your skills.
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Monitor Your Anxiety: Keep track of your anxiety triggers and any patterns you notice. If math difficulties tend to arise with anxiety, addressing the anxiety may help alleviate cognitive settings.
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Balanced Lifestyle: Ensure you are getting adequate sleep, nutrition, and hydration. Simple lifestyle habits can significantly impact cognitive function.
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Follow-Up with Your Neurologist: Even though your neurologist wasn't concerned, if your anxiety persists or worsens, consider scheduling a follow-up to explore additional supportive therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety.
Regarding concerns about CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease), it is rare for its symptoms to emerge without observable changes in imaging like DWI lesions. The concern for ribboning and other brain changes is generally low, especially with normal imaging results. Always discuss any persistent worries with your healthcare provider to ensure you feel supported and understood.
If you need further support or clarification on any of these points, feel free to ask!
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