Schizophrenia and my reading (or thinking) ability

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I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia in 2010 and I started reading a lot of books again then as reading is my hobby. At first I could read books over 50 pages a day.

However, since 2016 my reading ability/speed has been dropping gradually. Now I can barely read 6-8 pages a day, and I can't forcefully read faster because then I wouldn't understand/comprehend what I've read. I also have difficulty thinking now, my brain will get tired easily and I'd feel headache or giddy.

What's going on with me and my brain? Do I have Alzheimer's already now?

If you love reading as I do, then dear read only as fast as you can. I'm not fast, but I can read data quick and I sort and arrange and catalogue at immense speeds.

Under periods of mania I've noticed my reading speed and comprehension seem buffed. Same goes for some writing related skills.

Schizophrenia is well known to involve what are known as negative symptoms, I'm sure you know this already, but negative symptoms of schizophrenia can include difficulties with thinking or a lack of concentration or focus.

So it is no surprise you have difficulty with reading. Symptoms can wax and wane and abilities can deteriorate over time, it doesn't necessarily mean you have something like Alzheimer's disease.

suggestions:

1. write about why you feel like you can't read and try to pinpoint causes
possibilities
a. focusing
b. low energy levels
c. memory impairments
d. some of the above, all of the above, etc
e. antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and other "meds" can cause emotional bluntness and difficulty functioning or reading
2. try listening to audiobooks and see if that improves your ability to retain info
3. see if simple breathing exercizes or even meditating before reading improves comprehension
4. see if you break up sessions into a certain number of 20 minute sessions, (experiment to see which time frame works best)
5. try reading easier to read books (children's books, self-help books, or books that peak your interest)
6. make sure you get fresh air and at least 20 minutes of exercize a day, even if it's just walking.
7. see if reading while doing something else (like listening to music) can help.
8. use a bookmark to block the words below the line you are reading, and read one line at a time
9. try scanning the book and reading faster or slower to get the general idea.
10. try reading poetry and see if it's easier
11. that's it, I'm out of ideas!

I'd be exploring e First.
What's your med list?

For the first 6 yrs after being diagnosed my reading was still fast (>50 pages a day). Only after that it started declining until now and I can't do anything to recover my last time speed, like resting (no reading) for a few mths.

I'm not too sure also what I feel.. I can only read 10-15 sentences at one time, then I need to rest like 1-2 hrs, and continue reading 10-15 sentences again. What I feel after 10-15 sentences is my brain seems to stop comprehending/understanding what I read. So after that I can still read the words (the A-B-C), but I stop understanding their meaning, and I can't understand what that sentence is trying to say/tell me (instant memory loss?)
I also noticed that after I finished reading let's say 1 full book, last time I still could remember a lot of its details what I'd read. But now I can only recall/retell far less details and forget everything else.
So what do you think that's happening?

Btw, I also play online games but only for a short time daily. I rarely exercise though, only walking. I'm not working full-time right now, only have investments. Last time I stopped working (in office) because I felt brain tired, about the same time as my deteriorating reading or thinking ability.
I'm currently still taking Olanzapine and Fluoxetine medicines (already for 14 yrs).

N.B. I'm currently reading a Reader's Digest magazine

Ok, I feel tired (brain giddy) now writing these and need to rest.

Perhaps these activites aren't as interesting or enjoyable as they once were?

There is now a lot of good online content. One can binge watch on the best episodes of television shows.
In the past we would have to patiently wait to see how a story arc would conclude. Now we no longer have to wait!

When I took up golf I was able to read a bunch of golfing books.
I find it hard to find interesting stuff to read now that I have read those books.

Reading for me is always very enjoyable and interesting (maybe I'm a knowledge and story addict).
The only books I don't like are school textbooks, romance novels, or cooking/gardening/sports/etc (hobby-related) books.

the olanzapine can numb the emotional system, and make it hard to think properly.

is there a good reason why you need to be on that powerful antipsychotic drug?

there are other antipsychotics that can work that are milder, and what are your symptoms of "schizophrenia"

many people are falsely diagnosed with schizophrenia, because of the power of the pharmaceutical industry and lobbyists, drug reps influencing doctors, unethical doctors, etc.

Just a thought , might check if your having any other symptoms ...Almost sounds like a brain fog, that maybe part of some weird fatique issues ....if you can afford and symptoms do not pass.....might get a thorough blood work up.?
aspies tend to need to keep up with health processes, I think.

Brain fog is a common feature of autistic burnout, no?

Yup ..am thinking ,I read that too somewhere,,repeatedly.

I've dealt with it. It's frustrating to notice you're less capable than you were.

Did help push me into using more and researching more supplements that could help effect "the fog" .
That was a long and interesting road....started researching Nootropics and quality nutritional products.
But quite honestly a forced Lay down . For twenty minutes seemed to help consistently for me. It was a pain , because as soon as I thought my brain was clearer . Tried to start thinking and wanting to do stuff . But that was not what worked for me . Had to be twenty minutes . But found it was important . Another cheat . (Was to treat it like I had a allergy of some sort) . Went to Mucinex 1200 mg of guafenesin and ? I think a little psuedoephedrine. Added the odd zyrtec pill. And got extra mileage out of my own brain. That way too...Was amazing to get some relief out of a over the counter cold med. for me . You can break these tablets ( pills) in half to start your own experimental dosage,if you wish to try it . (But keep a eye on your blood pressure ). If you have those issues .
( actually in the long run , am not 100% sure but it seemed related to a long term system wide( throughout the body)
Low level infection . (That it was what ,I was allergic too.) But still use those above mentioned OTC products daily .
And the occassional cup of coffee or caffiene type drink
DISCLAIMER:
[[[ Not intended as medical advise,please , see your Authorised Medical practicioner ]]]