Extreme Forgetfulness

S

skinydudesk8te

New member
This is my first post here, so if it's in the wrong place I'm sorry already. :)

I first started noticing that I'd constantly forget things about a year ago. It was little things at first that didn't affect me, so I shrugged it off and figured it was nothing. However, little by little I forget more and more everyday it seems. Words (I read "schizophrenia" in one of the threads on this site, and found myself wondering how exactly it was pronounced. Took me a while, but I got it.), daily chores, and just things I'm supposed to do. Even know, posting here, I can't recall all the things that burden me because of my forgetfulness. You know when you're going to get something and you completely forget what you came for? I do that way, way to much now. My girlfriend and I joke about it, calling me old and stuff like that, but really I'm sort of scared. What could be causing me to lose everything?

My thoughts are that it's lack of sleep. For the past year, during the work week I sleep near 7 hours a night. Sometimes more, sometimes less. On the weekends there are days when I sleep in, others when 7 is all I get. Although, I know people who sleep 5-6 hours a night and aren't literally losing their mind.

I'd certainly be open to seeing my doctor about this, but I wanted to see what the good people of this board thought. :)

Oh and PS I'm 21. So no, I don't think it's Alzheimer's.
 
Alot of us have this. I joke about it too with my mother. We think we have it figured out. We are chalking it up to being WAY TOO BUSY!! We live in a really fast paced life here in America. We don't relax enough or slow down enough. We are multi tasking in our sleep. I think if you kind of sit back and see what you are doing in your life maybe this would be true. I wouldn't worry. But if you are that worried, of course see the doctor. :angel:
 
Stress wil do it everytime! Going through it myself. I did go and see the DR. who did a
complete blood workout and everything checked out fine. Just wondering do you ever feel as if your heart is racing way too much?
I do agree though that you should go and see the DR. just to make sure.
I am sure everything will be OK.
 
Do you snore? Sleep apnea can cause daytime fatigue and forgetfulness.

Hypothyroidism. Make sure you use iodized salt.

There's dozens of different diseases that cause brain fog. (poor concentration + memory) I'd guess you'd have some other sypmtoms if it was one of those.
 
I couldn't say my heart is racing, but it's not ever at it's calmest. About 2 months back I had some blood work done. Turned out I was just fine.

My doctor is sort of off. She also seems to lack interest in what my needs are. If I told her I was forgetting everything she'd tell me to stop it, or something condescending.
 
Welcome to the boards, Cougarkid!!

No, I don't think it's alzheimer's either...but I suspect you may be on to something regarding sleep. Sleep can affect one's memory big time...and if you have a sleep disorder, you may "think" you're sleeping 7 hours, but your mind and body may not be getting that much sleep...

But we're guessing here...as there are over 200 causes of memory problems...everything from diet to sleep to meds, etc.. Best go to the doctor's, and get a thorough check up.

Take care.

Bethsheba
 
Many thanks for the quick replies. :)

I've heard of sleep apnea from a radio commercial, but I don't think I have that. I only snore every once in a while, and it's never too loud.

I'll do my best to hunt down some of the threads here.

I don't think it's that I'm too busy, but surely far too stressed out. I've got a lot on my mind 24/7. I don't over exaggerate when I say 24/7 either. Like you said bethsheba, I'm probably not getting a full seven hours. Time wise I may be in bed that long, but I'm realistically doubting that's full rest. I'm constantly waking up, or I feel like I can recall stressing during the bed time hours. As if I'm stressing, but while I sleep. Kind of strange. And extremely annoying.

Relaxing has not been one of my strong suits in the last year or so either.

One last thing, any idea what kind of doctor I should get in contact with? I'm not sure my regular physician will know what's up. Not to mention the fact that she's kind of a smart ass, and lacks the drive to wanna help.
 
Something you could try is Calcium and Magnesium, they can be relaxing together. Some people have to build up their tolerance to Magnesium,(can cause a loose stool) so if you buy them separately start out at a lower dosage for the Mag. build up to around 400mg. a day, Calcium is around 600 a day. Try and get a citrate based kind, it's more water soluble. I find if I've skipped my regiment of these two nutrients I don't have a restful sleep.

Someone on here said thyroid, that can effect your memory too.
 
Only 50 percent of the people with apnea snore...the other 50 percent that have apnea don't snore...so just because you don't snore doesn't mean you don't have apnea. And by the way I have mild to moderate apnea and I don't snore...nada.



This can be a symptom of a sleep disorder. And sleep disorders can "cause" stress and anxiety. When you get quality sleep, you can better handle stress and anxiety.

Before seeing your doctor, do some homework on sleep disorders. Doctors are the last ones to suspect/diagnose sleep disorders...they get about 15 minutes training on the diagnostics so they often are either clueless or believe myths like "You have to snore to have apnea." Then go to your primary doctor with reasons why you would like to be referred to a board certified sleep specialist...

And do let us know how you fare.

Bethsheba
 
My hubby has sleep apnea. You would be surprised at how much difference a real night of sleep makes. He was not breathing anywhere from 10 to 67 sec. at a time. He now wears a mask that he won't go to bed without...and it has made all the difference for him. So even though you think you are sleeping all night...you may not be. And that makes all the difference in the world. Stress can cause your lack of sleep also

And you don't have Alzheimers. Trust me on that one. Even with early onset. IT does not start at your age. ..

Havew you tried melatonin? that is also good for helping to sleep...
 
Next time I go in for a doctor visit I'll definitely mention this. I tend to procrastinate about my hate, and my girlfriend hates it, but it's hard at times with so little time to get stuff done.

Perhaps it is apnea, perhaps it's not. One thing is for sure, I'm always always tired. I swear I was reading a book today and completely nodding off. I feel like I'm 55 years old all the time. It's 9 and my eyes can't take much more.

Thank you ladies so much for the help. Much appreciated.
 
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