My husband started having signs of early onset dementia: short-term memory loss and some cognitive decline at times. Family doctor referred us to a psychologist for testing. At the time, he ended up having some other medical issues that took priority and we didn’t get the testing done. Then, last year we were working on getting him on Social Security disability for his physical problems. When disability started going over his medical records, they found the notation about memory testing and offered to have him evaluated as part of his disability assessment. He had the testing through a psychologist and definitely showed problems that were additionally helpful in him getting approved for disability. He was approved immediately, first time, without any outside help with the paperwork. He passed away recently, but the memory testing was important as part of his assessment.

There is no need to be afraid of looking stupid. Doctors refer people for testing all the time. The hardest part is finding someone who actually does the testing - not all psychologists specialize in testing. The testing will help sort out what you are experiencing - if it is related to dissociation, then at least you will know. If it isn’t, you’ll know that too. In my husband’s case, it was related a great deal to his medical condition and the long-term use of certain medications to manage his physical symptoms. Brain stuff is tricky that way.