Extremely concerned about my short term memory loss

[Pip28]

I keep having quite bad short term memory loss and it's scaring me and starting to worry me.

I am very hesitant to go and see a GP because to me doctor's are not very good and generally just fob people off and because of my age they would probably not be very interested in my problems.

I'm 28 years old, Dementia has never been in my family until possible recently, My Nan died last month, She was in her 70's, They think she might have had a form of Dementia although they were not too sure because she had other problems too.

If it was a form in Dementia that ran in the family as my Nan had it in her 70's what is the chance of me developing it in my 20's?

I just forget things instantly, If i wash my hands sometimes i forget straight away, If i wash a cup out i can forget within 5 seconds.

I forget to buy things i want from the shop, Sometimes i buy a dinner from the shop to eat in the evening and i end up eating something else.

Earlier on today i turned my living room light on around 3.30pm and i think i turned it off within 15-20 minutes, I went to the shop around 3.50pm and i still can't remember whether i turned the light off or not, I can't even remember if it was on when i got back from the shop, I'm sure i turned it off then turned it back on around 5.30pm although i can't remember whether it was on all along, I'm thinking i might have turned it off around the time i went to the shop and then left it off for around 2 hours but i just can't remember anything about it like when i turned if off or if i did and when i turned it back on.

My memory is just going blank all the time.

Also seeing a thread on this forum about someone having dementia aged just 24 makes me even more worried, I know it is very rare for someone in their 20's to get or develop dementia but obviously it is not impossible at all.

I only take a couple of different medications, I take inhalers and i also take Citalopram (Anti-Depressant) I have been taking that for around 7 years and my memory has only been getting worse over the past few months.

I take the Anti-Depressant for mild anxiety which i don't get much these days and for panic disorder again i don't suffer too much these days but i really do not know whether Anti-Depressants are capable of causing memmory problems or not.

I just don't know what is causing this but it does seem to be getting worse, I am very aware of my lapses, I don't live with anyone so it's hard to know how bad my problems are as there isn't anyone who could notice my problems due to me living alone.

I do hope more than anything in the world that it's not any form of dementia but i'm actually starting to think that it could be dementia, If i got dementia at my age i don't know what i would do because i don't think i could handle that at all, I can understand it if i was a lot older because as i understand it the majority of people who develop it are a lot lot older than 28.

My thinking ability is sometimes rubbish but i don't know if that is related?

For instance today i was installing an ink cartridge in my printer and i looked at the diagram to see which way the cartridge had to go and i turned it the opposite way and i was trying to force it in and it wouldn't go in so i looked at the diagram again and noticed that i had infact been trying to put it in the wrong way so i then managed to sort it out after that.

I just hope you can give me some opinions and whether there is any hints that i might be developing dementia and whether what i am describing sounds like it could be dementia.

[Grannie G]

There can be lots of reasons for such short term memory loss and dementia is just one of them.

You obviously have a history of anxiety and possibly depression and perhaps should ask your doctor to give you a little more time. If s/he ia unable to do so, perhaps you could be referred to a specialist.

One thing I did notice in your post which might comfort and reassure you. You had no problem relating all your memory lapses, which if you think about it very carefully is a contradiction in terms.

Have you considered listening to relaxation tapes or attending relaxation or Yoga classes. I`m no medic but I do know anxiety and tension make everyhing worse.

[Deborah Blythe]

Pip, whoah, hold on! It sounds as if you are in a bit of a panic. As Sylvia says, there are lots of things which can cause short term memory loss and the stress of your recent bereavement is not particularly helpful to the situation.

You've written extremely lucidly about your worries.. not a word out of place or left off. Do you have any friends, family or workmates to talk to about your worries?

Also, this might sounds flippant, but it isn't meant to be. I doubt if there is a single computer user who hasn't had problems following the instructions over changing a cartridge. I'm rubbish at changing cartridges, but then manufacturers are often rubbish at writing the instructions and rubbish at producing user friendly accessories.

Does your use of the anti depresant get monitored? Could you talk to your doctor about whether it is working for you, explain your symptoms and then let him/her know what is worrying you?

Hope you have a better day today.

[Nanak]

Hi Pip
Take a deep breath and relax a bit. I am also on Citalopram and have been for a few years although I am much older than you (my eldest Daughter is your age)
I too have memory lapses which seem to occur when I am stressed or rushed. I am not sure if it is the medication or the reason I am on it lol.
You say you don't want to go to your GP, but who is monitering your medication when you get a repeat prescription? You may find you need to go up or down on your dose.
I am no expert on Ad or Dementia but as has been said here previously you have recounted all your memory lapses without a problem.
Your Dr is there to help you, it may be an idea to write down some questions before you go and not leave until you get them answered. Alternatively if you get no joy from your GP, then find another one!
I know from experience Anxiety and Depression can cause all sorts of problems. Little things seem magnified and molehills very quickly become mountains.
I'm sure others have a lot more experience than me here. Hope you find some answers soon.
Kim

[Pip28]

There can be lots of reasons for such short term memory loss and dementia is just one of them.

You obviously have a history of anxiety and possibly depression and perhaps should ask your doctor to give you a little more time. If s/he ia unable to do so, perhaps you could be referred to a specialist.

One thing I did notice in your post which might comfort and reassure you. You had no problem relating all your memory lapses, which if you think about it very carefully is a contradiction in terms.

Have you considered listening to relaxation tapes or attending relaxation or Yoga classes. I`m no medic but I do know anxiety and tension make everyhing worse.

Hello, Thank you for replying, I don't have many anxiety problems and have never suffered from depression.

I presume that me relating to my memory problems is a good sign then? Even though it feels like i am really losing it and going mad?

[Pip28]

Pip, whoah, hold on! It sounds as if you are in a bit of a panic. As Sylvia says, there are lots of things which can cause short term memory loss and the stress of your recent bereavement is not particularly helpful to the situation.

You've written extremely lucidly about your worries.. not a word out of place or left off. Do you have any friends, family or workmates to talk to about your worries?

Also, this might sounds flippant, but it isn't meant to be. I doubt if there is a single computer user who hasn't had problems following the instructions over changing a cartridge. I'm rubbish at changing cartridges, but then manufacturers are often rubbish at writing the instructions and rubbish at producing user friendly accessories.

Does your use of the anti depresant get monitored? Could you talk to your doctor about whether it is working for you, explain your symptoms and then let him/her know what is worrying you?

Hope you have a better day today.

Thanks for your reply too, So me writing extremely lucidly about my problems is a good sign too then?

The thing i know how to change ink cartridges, It wasn't the changing it that was the problem, I had it all ready to put in and on the printer itself is a diagram showing which way in to put the cartridge and i was still trying to force it in the wrong way around as if i couldn't follow the diagram properly and which way round it went but i realised my mistake and got it in eventually but it made me feel stupid.

My day today hasn't been too bad although i done one thing earlier today which is now bothering me, I took a cup into the kitchen to wash out as i was going to make a drink and i think i turned the cold water tap on and washed it out but i know i definitely poured some hot water out of the kettle into the cup to wash it properly as it saves me turning the hot water on on the boiler but i still can't remember whether i turned the cold water tap on and rinsed the cup, I had forgot within 10-20 seconds is that normal? It doesn't seem right to me!

[Pip28]

If i went to see a GP would they have a good idea what could be causing my problems? If the GP done some sort of memory test on me i would know exactly how bad my memory is and if i did well on it then it may reassure me.

[ella24]

If i went to see a GP would they have a good idea what could be causing my problems? If the GP done some sort of memory test on me i would know exactly how bad my memory is and if i did well on it then it may reassure me.

Hiya

the GP would look at a range of things before a diagnosis - many things can impact on memory/anxiety, and the GP would probably do various tests, including blood tests to rule out other conditions that can be treated (like thyroid problems for example) .

I really would recommend a GP appointment to put your mind at rest

x

[Brucie]

Hi

first thing to say is that if you have seen dementia at close hand, you may simply think the worst the first time you naturally forget something.

And we do forget things - we can't remember everything we see and do. Memory works on refreshing, and when a lot is going on, sometimes things get put on top of other things.

Here are a few options when being concerned about forgetting things:

• stress, for example, after a bereavement
• distraction
• anxiety
• depression
• tiredness
• an infection, for example a chest or a bladder infection
• other illnesses such as vitamin deficiency or thyroid disorder
• the side effects of drugs
• long-term overuse of alcohol or some tranquillisers
• the menopause
• the normal ageing process (which causes mild forgetfulness or difficulty finding words)
• pregnancy

most of this comes from Alzheimer Scotland's website http://www.alzscot.org/pages/worried..._my_memory.htm

While dementia does happen in younger people - which is defined as 'under 65', it is relatively unusual, and is very unusual indeed in someone of your age.

I'd agree that you should see your GP, just to set your mind at rest. These worries can ferment in our brains, causing further stress and distraction and maybe even depression - and all of these can cause forgetfulness, thus reinforcing fears. To get out of the cycle. do see your GP.

best wishes

[Pip28]

Hello Brucie,

Thankyou for your message.

I have never in my life seen a person with dementia.

How unusual is it for someone of my age to develop dementia?

I've had some memory lapses today that have worried me i know our brains can't remember everything or process everything but today i met someone in town and i planned on saying a few things to them and remembered about it a few times but i still ended up forgetting to say what i wanted to say and when i got home i realised that i never said what i wanted to say.

Earlier on i was about to have a nap on the sofa and i think i closed the living room door but within a minute or two i couldn't remember closing it, Also not long ago i had the central heating on and i planned on turning it off, i turned it off but then instantly within a minute or so i thought did i turn it off i can't remember now but i think i did and i checked and i had turned it off.

Thanks.

[Vonny]

Hi,

One thing I'd add to what advice has already been given, the more you worry about your memory, the worse it gets.

I'd be more inclined to worry if you couldn't remember what the central heating was for, not whether or not you switched it off. I'm not making light of your memory problems, and I really think you need to visit your doctor and share your very real concerns with him.

There are lots of different types of dementia but as I understand it, they mostly (or all) stem from some form of damage to the brain, for example lack of blood supply to the brain through a stroke, or atrophy of parts of the brain due to age, which is probably why it is rarer in young people.

Please make an appointment with the doctor and let him/her know how much this is upsetting you. Ask for tests both physical and mental and see if you can get to the bottom of this.

Best of luck

[Tender Face]

Forgive me for throwing this idea in – but in case it helps....

I myself have suffered from mild forms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. (OCD). (David Beckham is famous for it, notably hoovering his rugs a particular way, and then having to do it over again in case it wasn’t perfect! – not making light of it – it can be a nightmare and seem quite superficial on one level to everyone other than the ‘sufferer’). Some of the situations you describe sound very familiar to some of my behaviours in the past ......

In my case it would manifest with checking I had closed/locked doors and windows/turned the heating off – sometimes driving to work and immediately asking my boss if I could battle back through the rush hour to check I had switched something off .....

Memory loss? Yes, in terms of I had forgotten I had probably checked three times before leaving the house anyway ... Dementia, no. Anxiety? Absolutely.

Looking back at those periods when I struggled with OCD I can see now the underlying reasons for somewhat irrational and repetitive behaviour on my part ... the crux is to get to the root of the problem not the symptoms ......

If you have read much of the advice and support on the forum you may realise keeping a diary is often recommended to help form a diagnosis of dementia. In fact, a diary is invaluable to any GP or consultant to help with a conclusive diagnosis of anything!!!!

I picked up on your ‘nap on the sofa’ – forgive me – I’ve conquered OCD and am now battling insomnia ... and I know ‘cat-napping’ through the day is my worst enemy in that particular war! Are you simply over-tired?

I’m sorry you feel you may be ‘fobbed off’ by a GP ..... I can’t say I much like seeing mine – recently I booked an appointment with the practice nurse – who can start the ball rolling with blood tests etc and support you and refer you if necessary to other people who might help ... just another thought ...

Love, Karen, x

[Vonny]

Good point Karen, my OCD is pretty much under control now, but it has caused me problems with checking and having to do things a certain way in the past.

I recently joined a forum for mental health issues for my son's anxiety, and so wish things like this had been around in the hay day of my OCD - when that tennis game of 2 white strips and a square on the TV was considered a miracle!

Anyway, it may be worth looking at that. Here's a link to the OCD section http://www.1in4-forum.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=46

[Pip28]

Forgive me for throwing this idea in – but in case it helps....

I myself have suffered from mild forms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. (OCD). (David Beckham is famous for it, notably hoovering his rugs a particular way, and then having to do it over again in case it wasn’t perfect! – not making light of it – it can be a nightmare and seem quite superficial on one level to everyone other than the ‘sufferer’). Some of the situations you describe sound very familiar to some of my behaviours in the past ......

In my case it would manifest with checking I had closed/locked doors and windows/turned the heating off – sometimes driving to work and immediately asking my boss if I could battle back through the rush hour to check I had switched something off .....

Memory loss? Yes, in terms of I had forgotten I had probably checked three times before leaving the house anyway ... Dementia, no. Anxiety? Absolutely.

Looking back at those periods when I struggled with OCD I can see now the underlying reasons for somewhat irrational and repetitive behaviour on my part ... the crux is to get to the root of the problem not the symptoms ......

If you have read much of the advice and support on the forum you may realise keeping a diary is often recommended to help form a diagnosis of dementia. In fact, a diary is invaluable to any GP or consultant to help with a conclusive diagnosis of anything!!!!

I picked up on your ‘nap on the sofa’ – forgive me – I’ve conquered OCD and am now battling insomnia ... and I know ‘cat-napping’ through the day is my worst enemy in that particular war! Are you simply over-tired?

I’m sorry you feel you may be ‘fobbed off’ by a GP ..... I can’t say I much like seeing mine – recently I booked an appointment with the practice nurse – who can start the ball rolling with blood tests etc and support you and refer you if necessary to other people who might help ... just another thought ...

Love, Karen, x

Thank you for your reply Karen although i really don't think i have OCD.

I only had a nap on the sofa the other day because i only had around 4 hours sleep during the night, I don't suffer from insomnia, I do get the odd restless night where i cannot sleep that well although that is only once every 3 or 4 weeks.

I done something within the last hour which i have never done before and that is really bugging me, My step daughter wanted to do some hoovering and she did do it, I can remember not being able to hear the TV properly because of the hoover, But i couldn't remember exactly when she turned it off, I went to say to her when did you turn the hoover off but instead of saying that i said when did you turn the heating off? Then i said when did you turn the kettle off? So i said the wrong thing twice and could not get the right word out of my mouth, I then said why did i just say heating and the kettle? And i said when did you turn the hoover off? So i couldn't find the right wors and ended up getting it wrong twice and saying two different words which were wrong!

[zoet]

Pip, you sound so terribly anxious and i feel that you really should see your GP asap. Keeping a diary as Karen has suggested is a very good idea, so you have something to show your GP. There are many PHYSICAL reasons for the type of symptoms you are displaying, and these must be ruled out before going any further.
Phone for an appointment and keep your diary from that point. Dont only write what happened but the circumstances surrounding each incident, how you felt, and if anyone noticed.
Until you have spoken to the Dr. you must take a big deep breath, and force yourself to become calmer. Your worry will undoubtedly be making your symptoms worse and you may start to focus on natural human behaviours and mistakes which ordinarily go unoticed in all our lives.
For example, i am forever getting words wrong when speaking, especially when stressed or tired, i am constantly spelling things back to front and i have no dyslexia, and i forget names, incidents and instructions enough to be annoying.
i have no dementia. Ive just had a rather stressful life for a couple of years, Ive probably destroyed great quantities of brain cells with wine over my lifetime, and Im 41 which may or may not be a strange and changable time for many women!
Until you have spoken to a professional you will not put your mind at rest, so make your appointment as soon as you can. xxx