Memory problems

[Jmedical19]

Hello-I was a recreational drug user from the time is was 13yo to 23 yo.  I did overdose when I was 23, which acted as a catalyst for me to stop doing drugs.  I've done cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, and alcohol.  My issue is that I feel like I have memory and cognitive issues due to my past drug use.  I have since graduated from college and hold a computer related job.  I do well in my job, but can't get over the past drug use and blaming it for my perceived inadequacies.  I do brain training programs like mindfit, sudoku, read books, yoga, work out etc.  I am literally trying everything I can to try and regain my sharp memory and cognitive skills.  I have three questions: 1) Will my brain continue to improve as I stimulate it more and abstain from drugs or is it as good as it's going to be? 2) Is there anything else I can do that will improve my brain function? 3) What type of brain scan will show the damage I may have caused and how much does that cost?
One more thing to add-  I was on an antidepressant from 23YO-28YO.  I also had severe sleep apnea that was successfully treated with surgery.  I am currently overweight 5'6" 202lbs (weight gained from Antidepressant use). 50lbs gained within 1.5 years of starting treatment.  Could losing more weight help my cognitive status?  Thanks for all comments!

[ggreg]

I would like to jump in and add a few things.  

Lack of enough protein in the diet can make a person kinda drifty.  Eggs are great for that.  Also, got to have those B vitamins, which whole grains do that.  Could be some vitamins a couple times a week might help, too.  Be sure to drink 4oz of orange juice per day, not one ounce more, to restore electrolytes.  

I did see a program on TV a year or so ago, real interesting but shocking, about a young lady who used Ecstacy a lot, I THINK that was the drug.  Anyhow, altho she had quit using, she was having problems "getting it together."  So, her mother took her for either a CT scan or an MRI of her head.  The result was her brain had sort of shrunk up in different areas, which it was rough to look at those pictures.  However, I also have seen programs on TV where people lose parts of their brains from all sorts of things, and yet they regain most of their thinking power over time, as the neurons make new connections and so forth.

You did not say how long you have been off the antidepressant.  If you recently got off it, it takes a pretty long time to "get over it," at least a couple months.  As for your weight, it doesn't sound all that bad, and since you had an operation for sleep apnea, I reckon you're sleeping better, so not too sure if that is a factor anymore.  If you feel well rested and have a positive attitude, then fine.  Occasionally, people who spend long hours sitting in front of a computer will have lots of oddball visual and mental difficulties, so take some regular breaks from that.

You can add picture puzzles to your soduku.  Uses a little different part of the brain.  Especially simple ones where you can see clearly where you're headed.  And you should take up a creative pursuit, which painting is very easy, uses yet another part of the brain.  Rhythmic activities are real important for synchronizing the whole brain and body connection.  I know you work out and do yoga, but they don't emphasize that.  The easiest thing in the world to restore rhythm is jogging, especially on a track, where you can concentrate solely on a steady pace over a long period of time.  Or getting into drumming can be fun, get some bongos and a soft mallet, and break out.

I want to say just a little bit about your past depression.  The way that works is, depression is sometimes anger turned inward.  That feeling of being in a dark hole is equal to being trapped, because a person wants to express anger and they decide not to, so it fastens the fight or flight response into NO response.  Therefore, while it is good to identify the sources of anger, and resolve it by forgiving yourself and/or others, you can also find ways to release that part of you.  Boxing works, go in a gym and put on the gloves and work over one of those bags in there.  And when you lift weights, sometimes concentrate on releasing pent-up emotion when you push.

I do agree with the above poster, however, the past is the past.  ALL of us have a past.  It's relative to the person.  Moving forward is the best medicine for self-confidence, patting yourself on the back for any job well-done.  Taking it a step further, forward and then outward is even better.  That is, helping others, putting stuff out there that people enjoy and appreciate.  And then there's one more simple thing.  Smile.

[BobbHilton]

Hello,
      Before thinking of any past issue causing your memory/concentration difficulties, you have to address the current issues of antidepressant/ weight gain and sleep apnea which does have great impact on your mental capabelities.  
        PET/ or SPECT scan and MRS could be helpful;in your case.

   God bless
   Bob Hilton