Severe memory loss, depression and MRI results

[TROH]

I am51 years old and over the past few years m y memory has deteriorated to the point where  I can’t remember much of anything it seems.  I can watch an episode of Law and Order on Wednesday and watch the same episode again on Saturday and not remember how it ends from just a few days earlier.  I can see movie over the weekend and on Monday at the office can’t remember the name of the movie.  
I have a master s degree in engineering and an MBA an until three or four years ago felt I was mentally sharp and held a director level position.   In late 2011 I experienced a high level of anxiety, for the first time, and fell into a deep state of depression.   I battled both for about 15 months, and with the help of counseling and medications was able to improve but my cognitive abilities have not returned to even 60% of my pre-mental health problem level.
Last week I had an MRI with the following results:
1. Left mastoiditis – family doctor immediately prescribed antibiotic.
2. Mild microangiopathic gliosis
3. Mild convexity atrophy.
Detailed findings: Mild deviation of nasal septum to the right.  Mild ethmoid sinusitis.  Small mucas retention cyst in left ethmoid sinus.  Left 0tomastoidtis is noted. The IAC region appears unremarkable.  The visual pathways appear unremarkable.  No sellar or parasellar masses are noted.  Punctate sized pineal gland cyst is noted as a benign incidental find.
An arachnoid cyst in the right middle fossa is noted.
Involutional changes of the brain, primarily at the convexity, consistent with mild cortical atrophy.
No evidence of an intracranial mass or mass effect or cerebral edema.

Few punctate areas of T2 and FLAIR signal hyperintensities involving the parietal lobes bilaterally near the convexity consistent with microangiopathic infarcts are noted.  Normal flow voids are noted in dural sinuses and in major intracranial vasculate.

Any help with diadnosis and treatment options would be appreciated.

[rumpled]

That could be the melatonin that is preventing you from sleeping well.

Sadly, the lesions on the pineal gland (and pituitary) are not taken with any significance. They are benign and small but the hormones can wreak havoc.

I would take steps to try to improve your diet and at least take a vitamin. I would also find an endo at a university. He or she may be able to test you better.

Do get copies of your tests. It is a good habit.

[TROH]

I am tired all the time but do not sleep well. I usually fall asleep easily due to being so tired, but often wake up after two to three hours and that is it on some nights.  I was taking ambien for a while to help with sleep but doctor stopped it as I reported that my memory problems seemed to be getting worse.

I do not take a multivitamin nor do I eat well.  

My doctor checked the thyroid a few times but not sure which test was used  I will see him again this week and will ask.  Iwill also ask about the D and B12

Thank you and any further insights would be appreciated.

[rumpled]

I would get your doctor to test your melatonin levels and see what they are. The lesion on your pineal gland can or may effect your sleep - and that in turn can effect your entire life and memory. You may have high levels of melatonin. How are you sleeping? I am not sure what *punctate* is for size - ask your doctor.

I would also get a regular check up on hormones  like thyroid (a good check, not just TSH which is useless!) and basics like vitamin D, iron and all. Get copies.

Endocrine disorders and even low D and B12 can cause a lot of symptoms. Do you take a multi-vitamin? Eat well? If you don't, it cannot hurt to go get a nice quality vitamin and some extra D3. B12 is not absorbed in the stomach so if you are low you may need a shot once in a while. My mom had pernicious anemia and I get low and need the shots too.

I would get all that ruled out first. It would be unusual to get early onset - more often it is another issue that causes similar symptoms. I had a complex endocrine issue and had similar symptoms.