[mysticalZita]

For years now, over 5 ,I have trouble with short term memory loss, it's bad, I can not remember what I did an hour ago with concentrating real hard or someone triggering my happenings, and sometime I will be in the middle of a conversation and forget what I am saying. People always tell me that I told them before what I am telling them, or I won't remember what someone said just a minute ago. its real scarey . Is there anyone who has this issue, or can give me some advice?

[Skeezyks]

Well... I experience some of this. Part of it, I think, is related to my long-term anxiety. But I'm also aging. And that has something to do with it too I'm sure. And then if you're taking prescription medications, those could have an effect too I would presume.

I don't know as there is any particular advice I can offer. Perhaps it's just something to talk over with whatever mental health professionals you have in your life? I've heard of on-line games that are supposed to help with memory. But I don't know how effective they are.

Here are links to 2 articles, from PC's archives, that offer suggestions for improving your memory:

8 Tips for Improving Your Memory

4 Ways to Supercharge Your Working Memory for Free

[possum220]

There can be many issues that will affect our cognitive abilities. Stress a while made me think I had dementia. I got myself tested and all was okay and it settled when the stress level eased up.

It couldn't hurt to have a chat with your doctor to rule things out or see if there is issue to be addressed.

Hello MysticalZita,

so sorry that you are struggling with this. You didn't mention a history of brain injury or ECT or illness which could affect cognitive function so I'll assume that's not a factor for you. People can struggle with memory for various reasons. Some of the causes are reversible. You can ask your local MD to refer you to a neuropsychologist or speech-language pathologist for cognitive assessment. If the tests indicate that your memory is within normal limits or within functional limits, great! If not, there is cognitive therapy available for those deemed stimulable for progress.

One thing to think about is whether the issue is memory, attention, or both. Attention (focus) is the foundation for all of our cognitive abilities including memory. If your attention is impacted by anxiety or something else, you of course would struggle to recall info since your mind was distracted and the info wasn't properly stored.

You might like to read about 'working memory.' There are different types of memory. One of the examples you gave (forgetting what you were about to say in conversation) is a working memory problem.

Do you take any medications? The best person to check with is your pharmacist. They know a lot of additional things about drugs and drug effects which doctors do not. If you are taking any meds, bring your list to the pharmacist and ask if any of those drugs are known to impact cognitive function.

You didn't mention your age. That may or may not be relevant.

You may wish to consider:
- nutrition (blood panel can screen for deficiency)
- sleep (very very important for cognitive function)
- cognitive stimulation (leaving home if possible, interacting with others regularly, reading, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word searches, use non-dominant hand for daily tasks such as brushing teeth, turning lights off etc)
- mood (depression and anxiety can affect cognition)
- overall physical health....any changes?
- history of trauma?

If you are dealing with a reversible issue, there are folks trained to help you resolve that. If it is not reversible, there are ways to compensate for changes in memory. I encourage you to have a candid conversation with your MD about your concerns. The longer you worry, the higher your anxiety level, which we know can affect attention and memory. You could try a problem-solving approach to this change. You said it's been about 5 years? That's a long time to worry, maybe even the chat with your doctor will take some of the weight off your shoulders.

I wish you peace, hope, and a bright future!