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XanaDUer2

(10,643 posts)
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:03 PM Sep 2020

Scary loss of memory

I hope everyone is well this Saturday.

I had a disturbing thing happen today. I make mental lists of things I need at the drugstore. Today, although I'd been thinking for days, of an item I needed as well as my Rx, I was, and still am, unable to remember the item . It's like a complete blank. I walked into cvs and just nothing. Does this happen to anyone else? I'm keeping a notepad next to me now, and I'm going to write things down and see if I can recall them.

Then I have notes if I forget! Scary experience. I take lamictal, latuda.

36 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Scary loss of memory (Original Post) XanaDUer2 Sep 2020 OP
Happens here on occasion... 634-5789 Sep 2020 #1
Did you research medication side effects? SheltieLover Sep 2020 #2
I feel okay otherwise XanaDUer2 Sep 2020 #8
Glad you are otherwise ok! SheltieLover Sep 2020 #11
Thank you XanaDUer2 Sep 2020 #14
Yw! SheltieLover Sep 2020 #18
Everytime I go into the basement for something I immediately get it and put it on the steps. Then dem4decades Sep 2020 #3
All of the time safeinOhio Sep 2020 #4
"minor cognitive decline" mitch96 Sep 2020 #27
Thanks for the laugh XanaDUer2 Sep 2020 #28
Sounds like a change Midnightwalk Sep 2020 #5
Likely can do phone consult due to covid SheltieLover Sep 2020 #12
It happens to me from time to time. cayugafalls Sep 2020 #6
Thanks! XanaDUer2 Sep 2020 #7
Yes, I suffer from anxiety as well. cayugafalls Sep 2020 #10
Thank you XanaDUer2 Sep 2020 #15
I Faux pas Sep 2020 #9
He should be up for mass murder XanaDUer2 Sep 2020 #17
Yep Faux pas Sep 2020 #36
I've been doing that for years. cwydro Sep 2020 #13
Yale is offering free Science of Well Being course SheltieLover Sep 2020 #16
Are you multitasking much? leighbythesea2 Sep 2020 #19
I have so much on my mind XanaDUer2 Sep 2020 #21
Yeah i can relate leighbythesea2 Sep 2020 #24
You have full plates!! XanaDUer2 Sep 2020 #25
When allowed leighbythesea2 Sep 2020 #29
We restaurant kitchen staff call it the 'walk-in' syndrome sanatanadharma Sep 2020 #20
Happens to me occasionally, elleng Sep 2020 #22
I keep hoping that'll happen XanaDUer2 Sep 2020 #23
At least you know you forgot it and can't remember it. It happens to me - and I'm in my eighties. demosincebirth Sep 2020 #26
Yes it's happen..so get this I bought a book to improve my memory..forgot where put it-- no scerio RestoreAmerica2020 Sep 2020 #30
Lol! XanaDUer2 Sep 2020 #31
Didn't know what I was missing--has been fucking liberating! RestoreAmerica2020 Sep 2020 #32
Absolutely airplaneman Sep 2020 #33
I have also had the experience of airplaneman Sep 2020 #34
I agree with SheltieLover, it's possibly stress related. littlemissmartypants Sep 2020 #35

634-5789

(4,175 posts)
1. Happens here on occasion...
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:06 PM
Sep 2020

Even going to the basement, I will see something and forget why I went down there to begin with, Just a part of aging gracefully. r

SheltieLover

(57,073 posts)
2. Did you research medication side effects?
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:07 PM
Sep 2020

This happens to me once in a while.

I recall the item when I need it again.

Do you feel ok otherwise?

XanaDUer2

(10,643 posts)
8. I feel okay otherwise
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:18 PM
Sep 2020

I used to pick up on things fast. Then I started wondering if the item was something else I temembered, eyedrops. Frustrating. I'm keeping my notes now. I also was thinking of a cool DU username earlier today, and cannot remember it now

SheltieLover

(57,073 posts)
11. Glad you are otherwise ok!
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:24 PM
Sep 2020

Could be a side effect or the tremendous stress we are all under, what with our own government attacking us.

Have you read side effects? You can google the name of med & memory loss to see what comes up.

Not sure if you have others around you. If so, have you asked if they notice differences in your appearance or behavior?

You could also consult with your doc or a pharmacist by phone.

I hope this is helpful.

dem4decades

(11,282 posts)
3. Everytime I go into the basement for something I immediately get it and put it on the steps. Then
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:09 PM
Sep 2020

when I wander around doing other stuff and decide to go back upstairs I see it on the steps and bring it up.

For the store I use the memo app on my phone. Not that I forget all the time but I always have a million things to do.

safeinOhio

(32,673 posts)
4. All of the time
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:10 PM
Sep 2020

See a neurologist every year and tested every year. He says it’s minor cognitive decline. It is frustrating. I keep a note pad by my daily meds and check off if I take them. A lot of the time when I hear an old tune I can’t recall the name of the band until 10 minutes later.

mitch96

(13,890 posts)
27. "minor cognitive decline"
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 07:25 PM
Sep 2020

AKA getting old. Happens to me all the time. I now use little memory tricks. Like if I'm going to the store I make a list and then try not to use it. I then check my self.
Years ago I took a memory course. They told of how people remember the info when makeing speeches and don't use notes. The one I liked was making things silly. So If I need milk, eggs and bread at the store I picture a cow on top of the store with a chicken on it's back eating bread.. silly stuff like that but it works for me!! YMMV
m

Midnightwalk

(3,131 posts)
5. Sounds like a change
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:12 PM
Sep 2020

I can be scatter brained at times, so it wouldn’t alarm me. But it sounds like it’s a noticeable change for you.

That’s what I think you should go by. Maybe medication maybe something else. Good idea to pay attention and if yiu can talk to a doctor.

I think what’s normal for other people doesn’t help much.

cayugafalls

(5,640 posts)
6. It happens to me from time to time.
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:13 PM
Sep 2020

Both of those meds can cause confusion and lamictal on rare occasions can cause memory loss. But I don't think it is related to the meds.

It is frustrating when it happens, but it does happen occasionally for some people and for someone like me, it has been a lifelong experience. It is just a part of who I am and I have to deal with it.

Were you thinking or worried about something today that may have distracted you from your task at hand?

cayugafalls

(5,640 posts)
10. Yes, I suffer from anxiety as well.
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:23 PM
Sep 2020

I know that on days when I am very anxious my memory is not so good.

Here's a virtual hug I know it can be disconcerting. We are here for you. Talk with your Doc when you get a chance and mention it.

Faux pas

(14,665 posts)
9. I
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:21 PM
Sep 2020

always write a list. Even if I forget the list I don't forget what needed. I picture the list in my mind. Hope your problems are just trump stress related and will pass soon. We should all file a class action against the traitor, not kidding.

Faux pas

(14,665 posts)
36. Yep
Mon Sep 14, 2020, 11:50 AM
Sep 2020

for sure and no doubt. When we get in control, he and ALL of his enablers need to go down. I'm still pissed that boosh et al didn't pay the price for their shit.

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
13. I've been doing that for years.
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:26 PM
Sep 2020

The worst thing is when I read my list (I always make a list), but can’t read an item or even remember what it could be.

leighbythesea2

(1,200 posts)
19. Are you multitasking much?
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:39 PM
Sep 2020

I ask because ive found my life requiring a lot of it, after years of truly avoiding it bc i heard its actually inefficient.

Now its been forced on me & i cant remember simple stuff, like why i went into rhe kitchen. Its creating anxiety so i am trying ro chalk it up to a) coronavirus makes every corner of life harder, b) anxiety/worry. I hope everything works out.
Prob more people than you realize are doing the same.

XanaDUer2

(10,643 posts)
21. I have so much on my mind
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:48 PM
Sep 2020

My job is stressful and getting on ssdi is hard as hell, worrying about catching COVID, meds, anxiety. I'm prob too hard on myself. What was different this time, as opposed to me forgetting bananas and realizing when I got home, was just the complete drawing of a blank

leighbythesea2

(1,200 posts)
24. Yeah i can relate
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 07:05 PM
Sep 2020

I have had that. just give up trying to remember when before it would come around. Also new for me, and unsettling!.
I really would consider how many things are taking up brain space! Youve got some big life topics there!

& sleep. ? I seem to really react to poor sleep.

Currently i have finished an internship for my masters, have some thesis writing credits, pursuing a job lead, between 2 houses in 2 states, am caregiver to my mom & my stepsons are half in school, half online. Nuts! Family is telling me not to think too hard about the brain freeze-ups.

Its cold comfort but they may be right.

sanatanadharma

(3,698 posts)
20. We restaurant kitchen staff call it the 'walk-in' syndrome
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:47 PM
Sep 2020

One is hustling in the kitchen, the restaurant is slammed and the lis have run out of something.
Quick! Run to the walk-in (refrigerator) for what is needed and immediately forget once inside.

XanaDUer2

(10,643 posts)
23. I keep hoping that'll happen
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 06:57 PM
Sep 2020

Or that there was no special item I was trying to remember! Its driving me crazy

RestoreAmerica2020

(3,435 posts)
30. Yes it's happen..so get this I bought a book to improve my memory..forgot where put it-- no scerio
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 08:26 PM
Sep 2020

..seriously--two years later still can't find it! A month ago, some how I lost a Thursday! No really a whole day--my son tells me, it's Friday mom! I immediately correct myself--Oh yes Friday, that's right mijo [mijo: little son-- even though he's 40! ]

Didn't want to worry him so when he left..I immediately pulled out a scrap of paper and listed all the days of week..wrote what I did each day ..Thursday, Thursday? Nada, zilch.. drew a blank--what the fuck I said [ha started saying fuck well since say nov 2, 2016 haven't stopped and won't stop I suppise until jan 20, 2021 when we kick el pendejo [fucking moron] out of WH.

Not to worry, not in front of children or in presense of my elderly very Catholic parents--- don't want to send them into shock! Anyway that's some scary mierda [shite] forgetting shite like a whole weekday!

I know what you might be thinking-- nope didn't get drunk or high or even never touch the stuff, BUT have been thinking about cannibus [legal of course] more since well ..2016--you know that toxic orange man in oval office causes me fucking stress! Maybe dr. prescribe cannibus oil mught work for that ailment..Ok where was I --see..see that..ay off on a tangent!

Thing is.. having internet at ones fingertips can either be a blessing or a curse bc on the day of the missing weekday-- I immediately researched alzheimers/ dementia symptoms..ay (pron. eye; def. Sigh or oh FUCK ... ) serious shite, que no? right?

So.. keeping a notepad nearby sounds llike a great idea. Read that handwriting is a thing of the past because of technology devices we use; that writing strengthens motor skills, brain nuerons. I've also seen ads for over the counter memory supplements like Prevagen--wonder if they help. [Sorry, will edit in a bit--going to nearby store to buy a notepad--before i forget! ]

airplaneman

(1,239 posts)
33. Absolutely
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 09:10 PM
Sep 2020

They used to call it Senior Moments
Now its called CRS Cant Remember Shit
I call it slow Random Access Memory.
I have already had the experience of walking into a room and not remembering what I walked in for (twice).
As we get older we develop new handicaps - It's a challenge to find ways of overcoming them
-Airplane

airplaneman

(1,239 posts)
34. I have also had the experience of
Sat Sep 12, 2020, 09:15 PM
Sep 2020

Not knowing if I dreamed I did something or I actually did it and multiple times this has happened.
-Airplane

littlemissmartypants

(22,631 posts)
35. I agree with SheltieLover, it's possibly stress related.
Sun Sep 13, 2020, 12:34 AM
Sep 2020

Also, I have read that the harder you try to remember something the more it eludes you so, if you stop trying it may come to you later when you least expect it.

❤ lmsp

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