Memory loss is taking over my life!

by Morgan
(Washington )

For years now since I was very young I have struggled with memory. It's obvious I am a very intelligent young lady, but without your memory you lose all touch of everything active in your life!

I'm struggling with my job, with relationships, with myself. I feel like no one understands me. Doctors want to prescribe drugs and I just want answers as to why I'm this way?!

I could drive the same street to a friend's house 20 times and still forget how to get there. I can't remember my childhood or the things I've done.

I can't remember my favorite actors and actresses. I forget within seconds of someone telling me something, and I say what was that? Can you say that one more time?

People get frustrated with me. They believe "I don't listen" and "I don't care".

I do care, so much it hurts me inside. I've spent many nights sitting on the bathroom floor in tears wondering what the hell is wrong with me?!!??!!?

I've tried food changes, I've tried natural pills for help. I feel like I've tried it all... I feel like my memory loss is keeping me from living a happy life...

I think about it every day, that's probably the only thing I cant forget.... I feel "not normal" per se.

I just wish a doctor could scan my brain and be openly honest with some reasoning behind all this. Or is this just it?

I'm 27 years old, trying to build a happy relationship with my boyfriend, trying to start a business together, and I feel like I am ruining everything. I'm incapable.

Is this deeper than my memory? Am I not confident? Did something affect me as a child and I have a mental block? Is this all caused by me?

Am I making myself forget things for attention subconsciously? I've tried thinking of every possibility. I'm open for any answer that makes sense....

Now how to change... How to get my thoughts circulating properly, how to remember the most simple things in life?

I need help and I'm not sure how to get it....

Frustrated.

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May 16, 2013
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Forgetfulness
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem. It does really hurt when people think I am ditzy. They usually do.

I don't even like talking to my family or friends. They often like to mention casually that I am absentminded. Usually as a joke.

But if you have this problem, then you know it's not funny. I have a few tips to share--but nothing groundbreaking.

First of all-keep your keychain on your wallet, then your don't have to spend time finding both.

Stress B complex and flax seed oil are good vitamins to take.

Try to write down the things that happen over the course of a day. Details will spring to your mind--things you would have forgotten, possibly things that you need to do.

Also, tell people to remind you things. If you are as bad as I am, they already know you are forgetful. At least if you tell them to remind you, you'll get the reminder and they will realize your aware.

The book Getting Things Done has many other tips. Feel free to comment. I would love any tips you come up with.

Jan 20, 2013
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Neuropsych Testing (NPE)
by: Douglas (MIT)

Morgan, have you had neuropsych testing? Neuropsychological testing, which needs to be evaluated by a trained neuropsychologist, can measure brain performance including memory and attention. This type of test is also known as a Neuropsychological Evaluation (NPE).

I'm not an expert, but from what I've read NPE testing may be indicated for wide range of brain problems including:

traumatic brain injury

epilepsy

brain tumor (as discussed by Gweneviere)

Parkinson's disease

dementia

stroke

anoxia (lack of oxygen)

maternal illness in utero

substance abuse

exposure to drugs

exposure to alcohol

psychiatric disorders

exposure to heavy metals (such as lead)

exposure to toxic chemicals

I believe a referral is necessary for a consultation; so what you could do, if you think an NPE might make sense for your situation, is ask your regular doctor for a referral to a neuropsychologist for an initial evaluation.

Organizations in Washington State that provide neuropsych assessment and testing include the Northwest Neurobehavioral Institute in Spokane, the WSU Psychology Clinic, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Washington in Seattle. There are probably others as well.

An NPE just might shed light on the origin or cause of your memory problems. The only way to find out is to try it, with the guidance of trained personnel and physicians.

In the meantime, you may also want to adopt memory aids and exercises for use in daily situations. Gweneviere mentions using a camera and written journal to record your experiences. I discuss other ideas on my Memory Improvement Exercises page and Improve Your Concentration page.

If you have a breakthrough, or whenever you make progress, please do come back to this page and post follow-up comments. Visitors to this site and I will certainly keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Douglas
Memory-Improvement-Tips.com
This is information only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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