Memory LOSS symptom*******

[HOCKEY66.]

Does any suffer from memory loss from severe panic and constant anxiety. I have a very tough time with short term memories. Literally I will forget what I'm saying as I'm saying it. It's also impossible to pay attention and listen. I feel like im losing my mind or with my hypochondria developing dementia or alzheimers at 45...its awful and the more i think about it the worst it seems to get...Help

[tina martin]

Dementia runs in my family so I've experienced it, have read about it, and am also worried. Recently it seems there have been possible links to depression, maybe anxiety. Controlling these conditions may help your memory issues.

You may want to consult with your doctor to see what medical help (drugs perhaps) are there to help you. Stay hopeful and determined to get the proper attention you need. Wish you the best.

[Paisleegreen]

I've noticed it lately and I'm 57. Not sure if it is part of Menopause or Anxiety. Paislee

[tina martin]

Menopause is ancient history for me but I suppose it can affect memory. The brain is still mostly a vast unknown. My belief is we have to work at exercising it as we do our body. So I turn to reading, thinking, writing, doing word jumble, puzzles, learning as a form of mental exercise.

Have the naive belief that being free of anxiety, free of depression, of negatives and being able to laugh, to enjoy ourself helps everything: body and brain. I'm not a big doctor person but you may want to consult with your doctor. Believe there is one medication that may help.

[raaainbow]

I have that same symptom. I have figured out that the reason i can't remember anything is that i am so stuck in my head thinking all the time and not enjoying the present moment.

I am thinking about something else, or the next thing i'm going to say, or something I have to do as I talk and I too forget what i was saying. Or I forget something my husband told me 5 minutes before. It is because I really wasn't listening I was just thinking thinking thinking! I don't think it's dementia at all. It just trying to slow down your thoughts and really trying to look on the outside and listen and pay attention which is hard but you can do it!

I really hope this helps

[tina martin]

Doing things slowly and with focus, attention, and concentration will make a difference. There can be too much multi-tasking, too many distractions.

There is nothing wrong with slowing things (and people) down, doing one thing at a time, using a nice day book to help ourself, and giving ourself stars (or lollipops, ha ha) when we get things right.

[perspectivegirl]

raaainbow and tina, thank you for your replies. I was reading the thread and thinking, "I have a horrible memory, there are other people with anxiety and bad memories?" I always thought, of course because of the anxiety that I was really developing a memory program. I always felt terrible because I can't even remember when my boyfriend says he begins and ends work, I have to ask him multiple times a day. From your posts I realized that if I try and actually concentrate on the present moment and not be constantly thinking about other things and myself and anxiety and blahblah, then I could probably remember what people tell me because I would actually be present.

[tina martin]

Thank you for joining in. I like memory talk because I'm the oldest here (I'm quite sure) and my memory thinks it can retire. NO, say I, not allowed. Even posting is a fine challenge. Where did I say what to whom and why?

Also, I don't hesitate to write things down. Like puzzles, learning exercise routines, reading, thinking, writing, all good for the old brain up there. Please share any and all tricks to keep those cells charging and recharging.

[KAMO]

I've noticed it lately and I'm 57. Not sure if it is part of Menopause or Anxiety. Paislee

Hi Paislee, I'm the same age you are and have the same thing. Everything I've read says it's a symptom of menopause and I think that's what it is, but I think it's driving my poor husband up the wall because he's always having to repeat things he told me earlier in the day.