Steroids are common medicines used to treat inflammation from health problems like asthma, allergies, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
These drugs can be very helpful, but they also come with side effects. People often report changes in mood, trouble sleeping, and now, new research shows that steroids may also affect memory.
Scientists from the University of Bristol studied this problem to find out if steroids alone can cause memory issues, or if the problems are due to the health conditions they treat.
To answer this, they gave steroids to rats that were otherwise healthy. The result was clear: even short-term use of steroids made it harder for the rats to remember things and complete learning tasks.
The researchers found that the hippocampus, a part of the brain that controls learning and memory, was directly affected by the steroids. This is the first time a study has shown that steroids by themselves can cause memory problems, without any other health issue involved.
One interesting part of the study was about timing. The rats only had memory problems when they were given steroids during their active time—not when they were resting or sleeping. This means that the time of day when steroids are taken may affect how they impact the brain.
The researchers also looked at the effects of using steroids for a longer time. They found that long-term use made the steroids less helpful and caused more brain fog. These results show why it’s important for doctors to be careful with how long and when steroids are given.
This research gives doctors new information about how steroids can affect the brain. Knowing this can help them find ways to lower the risk of memory problems in people who need steroids. It might also help create new treatments for people with memory disorders.
Even if you need steroids, there are things you can do to protect your brain and memory. Here are a few tips:
Exercise often. Moving your body helps blood and oxygen reach the brain, which supports memory and thinking skills.
Sleep well. Getting enough sleep helps your brain store and organize memories. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of good sleep each night.
Eat healthy foods. A diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and healthy fats can help your brain stay strong.
Use your brain. Reading, solving puzzles, and learning new skills can keep your mind active and sharp.
Handle stress. Stress can hurt your memory. Try deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness to feel calmer.
Stay social. Talking with friends and family is good for your brain and can help memory.
Avoid too much alcohol or drugs. These can harm your brain and make memory worse.
The study, led by Dr. Matthew T. Birnie and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, helps explain why some people have memory issues while taking steroids. It also shows the need for more research on how steroids affect the brain over time.
If you’re taking steroids and worried about your memory, talk to your doctor. And remember, living a healthy lifestyle can help keep your brain and memory in good shape.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about dietary strategies to ward off dementia, and how omega-3 fatty acids fuel your mind.
For more health information, please see recent studies about Choline deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and what to eat (and avoid) for dementia prevention.
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