Amyloidosis can affect the mind in both physical and emotional ways. It's a lot to carry, and you're definitely not alone in wondering about this.
Physically, amyloid deposits can impact the nervous system and brain, potentially causing:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or confusion
- Memory problems
- Vision or speech changes
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Amyloidosis can affect the mind in both physical and emotional ways. It's a lot to carry, and you're definitely not alone in wondering about this.
Physically, amyloid deposits can impact the nervous system and brain, potentially causing:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or confusion
- Memory problems
- Vision or speech changes
- Seizures (in some cases) Emotionally and mentally, the impact can be just as significant. In a study of over 1,200 people with AL amyloidosis, 37% experienced depression and nearly 47% experienced anxiety.
One MyAmyloidosisTeam member shared, *"The mental issues of dealing with amyloidosis have been more difficult than anything physical."*
Common emotional challenges include:
- Depression — especially after major treatments like stem cell transplants
- Anxiety — worrying about disease progression and the unknown
- Loneliness and isolation — partly because amyloidosis is rare and often misunderstood
It's really important to talk to your healthcare team if you're experiencing any of these feelings. Mental health support is a valid and necessary part of managing amyloidosis.
August 18
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