Colada’s hormone therapy and an Alzheimer’s diagnosis

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Hi all,

My husband was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s at the beginning of November last year and stage 2 prostate cancer at the end of November. 
He has had 20 sessions of radiotherapy and is having zolodex implants every 12 weeks. He has responded extremely well to the therapy with a psa of 0.01 however, there has been a massive decline in his cognitive ability. 
I do not know if this is a side effect of the implant or a massive decline with the Alzheimer’s. Has anyone else experienced cognitive problems on the hormone therapy?

  • Good morning from another wife

    i believe most of the hormone therapies cause a decline in concentration and can influence the brain function .

    “Yes, Zoladex (goserelin) can cause memory problems, affecting memory and concentration. This is a known side effect of hormone therapy for conditions like prostate cancer, though research on its long-term effects is ongoing and some results are contradictory. If you experience changes in memory while taking Zoladex, it is important to discuss it with your doctor or healthcare team, as they can offer support and strategies,”

    it might be worth speaking with your oncologist .  

    Hugs tk you both 

    Liz & OH xx

  • Hello   Your husband’s PSA progress sounds very encouraging…Fingers crossed

    I had the first Zoladex injection around the same time as your husband. If it helps, I have noticed (and have been told!) my memory for anything new, particularly numbers (planned dates etc) and names of people met recently for the first time, has declined noticeably over the last 9 months. May be an increase in disturbed sleep, may be getting older but I think it’s a Zoladex side-effect. Or perhaps a subtle combination of all three.

    Memory and concentration-related side effects are a known product of the drug and will affect different people to a different degree. ‘Brain fog’ is also mentioned. I can occasionally tick that box too! I’m not too concerned but I would suggest, with a large decline, getting some professional advice would be worthwhile.

  • Hi  sorry to hear that your OH has both PCa and Dementia, that’s a double whammy!  We are all different in how we tolerate treatments.  I have been on Zoladex for over 8 years but my decline is probably as much about age as HT.  I had a short spell on Enzalutamide last year and had severe side effects, brain fog, lack of energy and confusion which interestingly disappeared about 6 weeks after stopping the tablets.

    It is worth talking to your team as changing meds may make a difference, but from your stats, the PCa seems totally under control.

    Best wishes, David

    Please remember that I am not medically trained and the above are my personal views.

  • Thank you. I will mention to oncologist, the dementia team say it’s a wait and see what happens after the therapy stops but that’s a long time away

  • Thank you. The dementia teams really don’t know. It’s a bit of a wait and see