Horrific Memory........ Really Upsetting.

[Smowball]

For the last couple of years my memory has got to the point of causing huge difficulties. I’ve seen my doctor, who referred me to a neurologist. I’ve had brain scans, MRI’s, you name it, but absolutely everything is clear I told him I was terrified that I had Alzheimer’s but he said I didn’t, and that he was baffled tbh.
I then went to see another neurologist who completely agreed with him.
When I broke my hand in November I was being showed the x-ray results on the computer screen by the doctor when I had a full blown seizure in front of him, of which I have absolutely no memory, and woke up on a hospital trolley, not having a clue what had happened. And they couldn’t explain it either.

I’m having to write things down all the time. And keep a log of things Ive forgotten .
Mr Smow took me to Centre Parks last months for a break and booked a gorgeous cottage. I said to him it’s beautiful here- why have we never stayed here before?
He looked at me in complete disbelief and said you are joking?? We stayed here 2 years ago!! I have NO memory of it.
I just don’t know what else to do, am so upset.

[Rosie29]

Oh poor you Smow - you have had such a rotten time recently. Keep in touch with your GP and my best wishes to you. X

[rockyracoon]

Smow, you have had extreme levels of stress lately, maybe that has caused your memory loss.

[ummmm]

Smow...do you drink alcohol?

[Smowball]

I just feel I’m going mad! I txt my friend and said oh god I forgot my middle sons birthday yesterday and she said no you didn’t - you rang him and had a full blown conversation! Again I had no memory of it....: (

[TonyV]

smow all can do for the time being is to continue with the lists as a memory jogger.

[bednobs]

i dont think there is anything you can do to improve your memory. you need to keep going down the medical route

[Mamyalynne]

Well, you have done everything right and been seen professionally so it's hard to advise.


Lack of sleep is hugely implicated inn those with poor memory and I know you struggle with that.

Obviously a good diet and some exercise is essential too.

You might also investigate Brain Training, results have been good in studies.

[Smowball]

If I ever do have a drink it’s white wine- I don’t drink spirits.
But how do you forget an entire holiday??

[Smowball]

And yes I have severe insomnia, even tho I’ve tried everything.

[anneasquith]

Smo. Do you take any drugs? Prescribed or other ?

[Gromit]

Their are many conditions that affect memory.
It sounds like the medics have eliminated a couple of them but you should pursue other possible causes
Medically, thyroid problems can cause memory loss. Other factors may include:
Too much alcohol
Smoking
Poor diet
Sleeping problems
Stress
Depression

[Smowball]

I take thyroxine for an under active thyroid, omeprazole for acid reflux, and inhalers for asthma.

[jno]

as Gromit says, it might be the thyroid itself rather than the drug.

[Smowball]

I never knew that about the thyroid.

[Gromit]

Smowball
I did not know your recent history before I posted, but from your and others answers, you seem to tick several of the conditions I listed.
As you are aware of them already and probably already trying to remedy them, all I can hope for you is good luck in getting your memory back to normal.

[TonyV]

smow have you asked your GP for any meds that can help you sleep? Your brain and body need a good rest of a night time, you suffering any nightmares or waking up startled in the middle of the night?

[Smowball]

Maybe my thyroxine levels need to be increased - I’ve just Googled it and he’s I do seem to have several of the symptoms.

As for sleep, I never sleep more than 2 hrs in a row, I’m lucky if I ever get 4 in a entire night. I went to bed at 10pm last night and was still wide awake at 3am. No don’t seem to have nightmare, but odd dreams yes.
I went to my doctor well over a year ago but he wouldn’t give me anything. Maybe I need to tell him just how bad it’s got.

[Gromit]

// Moreover, hypothyroidism is especially common in women. Between ages 35 and 65, about 13% of women will have an underactive thyroid, and the proportion rises to 20% among those over 65.

Characteristic signs of hypothyroidism include:
- difficulty in concentrating,
- memory problems
- loss of interest in things that are normally important to you. //

[Smowball]

I’m glad I posted this - I didn’t know some of this. Thankyou everyone x

[jno]

there's a little bit about hypothyroidism and memory here

https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-thyroid-disorders-cause-forgetfulness-98837

You can probably find out more by googling (but avoid sites that are trying to sell you something).