Effect of decreased oxygenation on brain

[Cliqof1]

My husband has ILD and rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosed about a year ago.  He is on Cytoxan and prednisone.  He has about 50% of his lung function and was advised in December to use oxygen, which he has refused to do.  Tests in May show his oxygenation levels have now dropped into the mid 80's, and his physician once again recommended using oxygen when he is up and moving around.  (He does not generally show signs of shortness of breath while walking slowly on level ground or talking.)  He is very short tempered, experiencing chronic fatigue, and even more disturbingly, increased inability to follow logical financial discussions.  He seems to show almost no empathy or interest in others.  It is understandable that lower oxygen levels would disturb cognitive function?  Are these problems permanent, or if he started using the oxygen, would we see some of the cognitive issues disappear?

[oliana]

i have too much mucous in my throut what is the problem

[National Jewish Health]

Much, if not all, of the change you've described could indeed be on the basis of oxygen deprivation, including your husband’s cognitive function.  However the apparently rapid progression of both his rheumatoid arthritis and the interstitial lung disease (ILD) could well be accompanied by depression, which also could significantly effect his personality and his cognitive function.  With inadequate oxygen, impairment of cognitive function is often the first sign, which is often more subtle when due to depression.

Also, at least some of the loss of pulmonary function may be reversible.

It is highly likely that the cognitive function loss is completely reversible, or nearly so, and would improve with supplemental oxygen.  You should continue to try to persuade him to give oxygen a try.  You should discuss the likelihood of depression with his doctors.  If he is depressed and treated for it, he may become more accepting of the use of oxygen, especially if he can be convinced that using oxygen is not an acknowledgment that he has a fatal disease and will have to remain on oxygen the rest of his life.

Good luck.