[jesyka]

I don’t know if this is the right place to post about this or not. If it’s not, then please tell me where to post stuff like this.

Anyways, my memory has been getting worse over the years. I need to write stuff down & have my husband remind me of things to remember dates & appointments.

I also often misplace my keys, glasses, my phone, and almost everything else of mine.

And I sometimes forget what I was going to do when I walk into a room. And I forget my phone at home occasionally too. I even forgot to reply to the threads on here months ago. I forget even more when I’m upset & under stress.

Is this normal or not?

[CANDC]

Hi @jesyka - I am sorry you have challenges with memory. I find myself doing many of the reminders you mention.

I think one thing to think about is what are some of the possible factors that cause memory challenges. For me I have had a much worse memory when I was depressed and I have read that depression diminishes ability to remember.

I have also read that sugar, intoxicants and high carb diets can increase brain fog which is a precursor to memory issues. I have experienced how things are worse with me when I use those.

So I do not know if it is normal but I keep trying to do work arounds like have a system where things are stored. It sounds very organized and it does require discipline but if I always put my keys in a pocket then they are always there. My daughter uses a different strategy where she buys device to attach to keys and then calls the device when she cannot find her keys and it plays a song. Of course if you misplace keys and phone, that is not a help

I think for me, I will stick to trying to find ways to cope with how challenging things can be for me.

All the best to you @CANDC

[jesyka]

Hi, it’s not just me then, good! I’m not senile yet, lol. Anyways, I didn’t know that eating sugar & high carb foods can affect one’s memory.

I’ll try to reduce my consumption of sugar & carbs from niw in. Especially since I’m prediabetic now.

What is the name of that key finding device & where can I get it? I try to leave everything in the same place. I change purses at times, so things get mixed up.

[IrisBloom]

Hormone changes can affect you mentally too. In women menopausal changes can wreak havoc in many ways.

First, be sure to talk to your doctor about this.

Second, research ways to keep your mind active.

[CANDC]

Originally Posted by jesyka

What is the name of that key finding device & where can I get it? I try to leave everything in the same place. I change purses at times, so things get mixed up.

Hi Jesyka
My daughter has a key finder by Lime. There are different versions but she did not tell me which one she uses.

Here is a list of ones that are reported to be good. The 9 Best Key Finders of 2022

@CANDC

[MuseumGhost]

I have heard several times over the years that stress is a big contributor to forgetfulness. It's based on the simple arithmetic of when our brains are busy juggling so many things at once, we can't stop and recall the little stuff, basic everyday things---too much of the brain is taken-up, and pre-occupied. I have noticed this in myself.

Insufficient sleep has also been noted as a possible contributor.

I don't know if it's "normal" or not for problems to show up in our 50's, because I was in the throes of some pretty powerful depression and anxiety, as well as the onset of a bad case of of hypothyroidism, from the age of 46. These 3 ailments pose big problems for both memory and cognitive function. But I have also noticed it starting to happen to my husband, who is very active and healthy, and whose memory has historically been as sharp as a tack.

I do much better with almost everything when I can find the discipline to eat right and exercise (giving the brain good food, and keeping it oxygenated). Mental exercise helps, too (reading, learning new things, games and puzzles, etc.)

This article outlines everything very well:Memory Problems: What is Normal Aging and What is Not?

Wishing you all the best with everything!

[rechu]

Stress and lack of sleep can definitely contribute to memory issues. I have been there myself. If either of those are issues for you currently, I'd see what you can do to improve your sleep patterns and deal with stress.

I also agree with what IrisBloom said about menopause, considering your age. You might want to schedule a doctor's appointment.

[Molinit]

I would advise you to see your physician. When was the last time you had a physical? Tell them about your memory and do whatever testing and specialist visits needed.

I say this because my mother hid her symptoms through her 50s, they became apparent to me in her late 50s, and I took care of her the last 10 years of her life.

[jesyka]

Originally Posted by IrisBloom

Hormone changes can affect you mentally too. In women menopausal changes can wreak havoc in many ways.

First, be sure to talk to your doctor about this.

Second, research ways to keep your mind active.

I didn’t know that. Thanks.

[jesyka]

Originally Posted by CANDC

Hi Jesyka
My daughter has a key finder by Lime. There are different versions but she did not tell me which one she uses.

Here is a list of ones that are reported to be good. The 9 Best Key Finders of 2022

@CANDC

Thanks for the info!

[jesyka]

Originally Posted by MuseumGhost

I have heard several times over the years that stress is a big contributor to forgetfulness. It's based on the simple arithmetic of when our brains are busy juggling so many things at once, we can't stop and recall the little stuff, basic everyday things---too much of the brain is taken-up, and pre-occupied. I have noticed this in myself.

Insufficient sleep has also been noted as a possible contributor.

I don't know if it's "normal" or not for problems to show up in our 50's, because I was in the throes of some pretty powerful depression and anxiety, as well as the onset of a bad case of of hypothyroidism, from the age of 46. These 3 ailments pose big problems for both memory and cognitive function. But I have also noticed it starting to happen to my husband, who is very active and healthy, and whose memory has historically been as sharp as a tack.

I do much better with almost everything when I can find the discipline to eat right and exercise (giving the brain good food, and keeping it oxygenated). Mental exercise helps, too (reading, learning new things, games and puzzles, etc.)

This article outlines everything very well:Memory Problems: What is Normal Aging and What is Not?

Wishing you all the best with everything!

Thanks for the info. I’ll need to get a bloodtest soon. I’m trying to eat healthier now. Especially since I’m prediabetic. I’m trying to loose weight too.

I often have issues with stress & insomnia. I’ll check out that article. Thanks.

[jesyka]

Originally Posted by rechu

Stress and lack of sleep can definitely contribute to memory issues. I have been there myself. If either of those are issues for you currently, I'd see what you can do to improve your sleep patterns and deal with stress.

I also agree with what IrisBloom said about menopause, considering your age. You might want to schedule a doctor's appointment.

I have issue’s with sleep & stress. I’ll get a physical & bloodwork soon. Thanks.

[jesyka]

Originally Posted by Molinit

I would advise you to see your physician. When was the last time you had a physical? Tell them about your memory and do whatever testing and specialist visits needed.

I say this because my mother hid her symptoms through her 50s, they became apparent to me in her late 50s, and I took care of her the last 10 years of her life.

Idk, maybe a year ago? I’ll get a physical soon. Sorry to hear about your mom.

[splitimage]

I'd strongly urge you to talk to your Dr. about this and if they feel it is necessary get a referral to a neurologist.

I'm 53 and have been having problems with memory, word recall, and mixing up words. My family Dr. referred me to a neurologist for testing and the initial round of tests showed that I'm in the normal range for people of my age and educational level and that I have no signs of Alzhiemers or other forms of dementia. But they're still following up with a PET scan and more targeted testing as they think I may have selective areas of impairment.

A friend of mine, who is a few years older than me, on the other hand also went to her Dr. with memory problems, and it was confirmed that she does have cognitive impairment, so she's been referred to a neurologist for further testing and a plan to slow the memory loss.

So two very different outcomes, which is why I suggest you get it checked out. You might as well know where you stand.

[*Beth*]

I'm 59 and while I don't usually forget day-to-day things or lose items I do have other forms of forgetfulness. For example, I'll watch a movie and be well into it - sometimes even finish it - when I realize that I've already seen the movie, and often I've seen it not long ago. One little, vague scene that seems like a remembered dream will slightly spark my memory. I attribute my memory weirdness to having been on long-term psych meds, especially Klonopin.

[Jelzig65]

50 is roughly around the time of menopause, and memory loss is a symptom, Brain fog, they call it. I need Siri almost daily to find my watch, keys and phone. I bought apple tags. I have anxiety and too much going on, Autisitic adult daughter. So my thoughts are like a cyclone.

[*Beth*]

Well, the proof is in the pudding. I saw this thread, decided to read it - and got half-way through before I saw that I'd already read it. For the life of me, I don't recall having read it before.

[Masks2many]

Studying the YouTube videos on neuroscience has taught me that sugar and stress are a big part of memory loss. Sometimes undiagnosed ADD is a factor too. The brain shrinks as it ages; the sad facts we all face. I am 75 and in watching others have decided that I will accept how well my brain works, rather than unwell and don't beat up on myself or my almost 80-year-old husband when we don't act like our once efficient, productive selves. We re-align ourselves everyday in keeping anxiety at a minimum. Retirement helps us own our calendar activities instead of it owning us. In looking back, however, we would have eaten minimal sugar, more whole grains, and removed ourselves sooner from toxic people and situations with therapy assistance. The 50s can be a wonderful time in life to assess and come up with a more adaptive plan, more to one's need for better physical and mental health.

[cool09]

I'm 58 and have had memory problems last few months. I get a thought in my head and 10 seconds later I lose it. I can't keep 2 thoughts in my head at the same time. I had ECT in August, not sure if that has anything to do with it but it is troubling. I just had short term memory loss during ECT.

[Travelinglady]

Originally Posted by Molinit

I would advise you to see your physician. When was the last time you had a physical? Tell them about your memory and do whatever testing and specialist visits needed.

I say this because my mother hid her symptoms through her 50s, they became apparent to me in her late 50s, and I took care of her the last 10 years of her life.

I was thinking that, too, jesyka. As has been said, many factors play into memory issues. However, that said, I agree that seeing a doctor is the best thing. He/she can test you to see what's happening. Your psychiatrist or maybe regular doctor can set it up. I was tested and labeled with "mild cognitive impairment." I think you'll find your answer better that way. We're trying to be helpful, but none of us are professionals on the subject. Okay?

[jesyka]

Originally Posted by rechu

Stress and lack of sleep can definitely contribute to memory issues. I have been there myself. If either of those are issues for you currently, I'd see what you can do to improve your sleep patterns and deal with stress.

I also agree with what IrisBloom said about menopause, considering your age. You might want to schedule a doctor's appointment.

Thanks, I’ll do that soon.