Can metformin cause memory loss?

Can long-term metformin use cause memory loss and dementia? It's unclear. Researchers have been investigating the connection between metformin and memory loss for over a decade. Several studies have highlighted a possible link between metformin use and a higher risk of developing dementia.


Does metformin mess with your memory?

As detailed above, metformin has been reported to improve memory in some brain disorders. However, long-term metformin administration to healthy animals has been shown to impair memory function (Alhowail et al., 2019; Alharbi et al., 2020).

What does metformin do to your brain?

Longitudinal clinical studies have indicated that metformin may reduce the risk of cognitive decline in diabetic patients [2, 14]. Metformin treatment improved cognitive function and produce antidepressant effects in diabetic patients with depression [3].


Is dementia linked to metformin?

Previous research from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research found that the use of metformin in people with type 2 diabetes was linked with slower cognitive decline and lower rates of dementia.

Is brain fog a side effect of metformin?

Metformin side effects include diabetic neuropathy, brain fog, and digestive issues. You can address them through diet, Vitamin B12, CoQ10, and exercise.


Does Metformin cause dementia? Surprising answer!



What is the most serious side effect of metformin?

Under certain conditions, too much metformin can cause lactic acidosis. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are severe and quick to appear, and usually occur when other health problems not related to the medicine are present and are very severe, such as a heart attack or kidney failure.

What are the two most common side effects of metformin?

Common side effects
  • Feeling sick (nausea) Take metformin with food to reduce the chances of feeling sick. ...
  • Being sick (vomiting) Take small, frequent sips of water or squash to avoid dehydration. ...
  • Diarrhoea. ...
  • Stomach ache. ...
  • Loss of appetite. ...
  • A metallic taste in the mouth.


Can memory loss from diabetes be reversed?

Memory loss in diabetes can be a short term problem brought on by too low or high blood glucose levels. During hypoglycemia, for example, you may struggle to remember words. This is not necessarily a sign of a long term problem. In most cases, raising sugar levels over 4 mmol/l should get your memory back to normal.


What medication can cause forgetfulness?

If you're experiencing forgetfulness or confusion, check your medicine cabinet
  • Antianxiety drugs (Benzodiazepines) ...
  • Cholesterol-lowering drugs (Statins) ...
  • Antiseizure drugs. ...
  • Antidepressant drugs (Tricyclic antidepressants) ...
  • Narcotic painkillers. ...
  • Parkinson's drugs (Dopamine agonists) ...
  • Hypertension drugs (Beta-blockers)


Does metformin reduce B12 levels?

metformin can commonly reduce vitamin B12 levels in patients, which may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. the risk of low vitamin B12 levels increases with higher metformin dose, longer treatment duration, and in patients with risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Can type 2 diabetes affect your memory?

In the same way that diabetes can cause nerve damage to your eyes, feet, and hands, it can also affect your brain by damaging nerves and blood vessels. This can lead to problems with memory and learning, mood shifts, weight gain, hormonal changes, and over time, other serious problems like Alzheimer's disease.


What are the negative effects of metformin?

Commonly reported side effects of metformin include: lactic acidosis, diarrhea, nausea, nausea and vomiting, vomiting, and flatulence. Other side effects include: asthenia, and decreased vitamin b12 serum concentrate.

How long can you stay on metformin?

Chances are, you doctor will have you take metformin for at least a year. This is because it takes about 3 months for your HbA1C to change, and those changes are usually very gradual. If your fasting blood sugar and HbA1C drop to the normal range, your doctor may take you off metformin and see how you do without it.

What organ is metformin hard on?

The kidneys process and clear the medication out of your system through your urine. If your kidneys don't function properly, there's concern that metformin can build up in your system and cause a condition called lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is when there's a dangerous amount of lactic acid in the body.


Why am I forgetting things all of a sudden?

Forgetfulness can arise from stress, depression, lack of sleep or thyroid problems. Other causes include side effects from certain medicines, an unhealthy diet or not having enough fluids in your body (dehydration). Taking care of these underlying causes may help resolve your memory problems.

What causes quick forgetfulness?

Stress, anxiety or depression can cause forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating and other problems that disrupt daily activities. Alcoholism. Chronic alcoholism can seriously impair mental abilities. Alcohol can also cause memory loss by interacting with medications.

Why am I forgetting words?

It is not necessarily a sign of something serious*, but more of an occasional brain glitch. Scientists have found that some things make TOTs more common – such as caffeine, fatigue, and strong emotions – and that words learned later in life are more likely to be forgotten.


How do you treat diabetic memory loss?

This may include lifestyle changes if you're at risk for or have already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. If AD causes your memory loss, your doctor may recommend cholinesterase inhibitors to start. These inhibitors tend to delay the worsening of symptoms and can improve functionality in people with dementia.

What are the symptoms of diabetic dementia?

Symptoms of type 3 diabetes
  • memory loss that affects daily living and social interactions.
  • difficulty completing familiar tasks.
  • misplacing things often.
  • decreased ability to make judgements based on information.
  • sudden changes in personality or demeanor.


What percentage of diabetics get dementia?

Comparatively, those who developed diabetes younger had a much greater risk for dementia later in life: a 53 percent chance risk of later developing dementia for those diagnosed with diabetes at age 65 and a 77 percent risk of at age 60.


What should I watch out when taking metformin?

Metformin side effects can include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and gas. Taking metformin on a schedule can help reduce side effects. Most metformin side effects are short-term, which is 2 weeks or less. See a healthcare provider if you're experiencing long-term metformin side effects.

What is the best way to take metformin to avoid side effects?

Managing Metformin Side Effects
  1. Ask to start at a low dose. This makes it easier for your body to adjust to the medicine.
  2. Take metformin with food. It's OK to take the medicine on an empty stomach, but having it with a meal makes it easier to handle.
  3. Ask about the extended-release form of metformin.


What drugs should not be taken with metformin?

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

They include diuretics like acetazolamide and methazolamide. They also include seizure medications like topiramate (Topamax) and zonisamide (Zonegran). These medications can interact with metformin by raising the risk of a medical condition called lactic acidosis.


What are the 10 side effects of metformin?

Serious Side Effects of Metformin
  • Cold skin with possible blue coloring.
  • Dizziness.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Nausea.
  • Severe drowsiness or tiredness.
  • Stomach pain with diarrhea.
  • Trouble or fast breathing.
  • Vomiting.


What is the best time of day to take metformin?

It's best to take metformin tablets with, or just after, your evening meal to reduce the chance of getting side effects. Swallow your metformin tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them.