A new study has found that taking steroids for a short time can lead to memory problems. Steroids are medications commonly used to treat inflammation in conditions such as asthma, arthritis, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease. While they can be effective, they also have side effects, including mood changes, sleep disturbances, and now, memory issues.
Researchers from the University of Bristol wanted to determine whether these memory problems were caused by the steroids themselves or by the underlying medical condition for which they were prescribed. To investigate this, they conducted experiments on rats.
The results showed that even a short course of steroids affected the rats’ memory and learning abilities. The rats struggled with tasks that required them to remember information.
When the researchers examined their brains, they found changes in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. This confirms that steroids themselves—not the underlying illness—can lead to memory problems.
This study is significant because many people who take steroids report memory issues, but it has been unclear whether these issues were due to the medication or the condition being treated. The findings provide direct evidence that steroids can impair memory, even in otherwise healthy individuals.
Interestingly, the researchers also discovered that the time of day steroids are taken plays a role in their impact on the brain. In the study, memory problems only occurred when the steroids were given during the rats’ active period. When given while the rats were resting, no negative effects on the brain were observed.
Additionally, long-term steroid use made the brain less responsive to the drug over time, which could lead to brain fog—a feeling of mental confusion or difficulty thinking clearly.
The researchers hope their findings will help explain why steroids cause memory problems and lead to better treatment strategies for people who need these medications.
Ways to Protect Memory Function
If you take steroids or are concerned about brain health, there are several ways to support and protect memory function:
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and supports memory.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for memory storage and overall brain function.
- Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports brain health.
- Engage in brain activities: Puzzles, reading, and learning new skills help keep the brain sharp.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can harm memory, so relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help.
- Stay socially active: Interacting with others supports cognitive function and mental well-being.
- Limit alcohol and drug use: Excessive alcohol or drug use can damage the brain and affect memory.
Making small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on brain health and memory.
This study was conducted by Matthew T. Birnie and his team and was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about inflammation that may actually slow down cognitive decline in older people, and low vitamin D may speed up cognitive decline.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about common exercises that could protect against cognitive decline, and results showing that this MIND diet may protect your cognitive function, prevent dementia.
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