My Problem Is Slow Processing Speed Of The Brain. I

Posted on Thu, 25 Oct 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 Answered on

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Question : My problem is slow processing speed of the brain. I am a diabetic and have depression but both are well controlled. I've read that magnesium and vitamin D are helpful.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
About low processing speed of the brain;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I have gone carefully through your concern.
The most important pathology to rule out is an underactive thyroid.
Thyroid hormones are responsible for the normal function speed of all the organs an hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is manifested with; low processing speed of the brain, low heart beat, constipation, weight gain ect.
So, i would suggest to check; TSH, Ft4 and Ft3.
Do not hesitate to attach the results for further suggestions.
Looking forward to help you further.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (3 hours later)

Dr. Mirjeta, I'm getting depressed about this. Two weeks ago I had blood drawn for a CBC. My TSH is normal and my Ft4 is normal. Could vitamin D and magnesium help me? How is this related to controlled diabetes (57 yrs) and controlled depression? Should I temporarily discontinue my antidepressants? XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
About depression symptoms and treatment:

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Magnesium and vit D can help if their level is confirmed to be low. If you have normal levels of Vit D and magnesium, they will not be of help.
Diabetes, without significant alterations of blood sugar, can not justify the symptoms you reported.

If your physician excluded the pathologies (liver, renal pathologies, calcium level alterations etc) that cause slow brain processing, than it is due to depression or it's treatment.
I would not suggest to stop the treatment without consulting your treating physician who knows better your history and the actual situation.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestions from psychiatrists,;

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Yes you may take an opinion rather to stop the treatment for depression or modify it, by an online psychiatrist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (9 minutes later)

You may not have received my question.

should I talk with a psychiatrist online here, tell him the meds tnat that I am taking, and see what he suggests? This is very debilitating as I have fatigue as well. XXXXXXX