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Original poster

Anyone with a previously good memory, struggle to recall things?

22 replies

Clutterfreeintraining · 28/05/2019 22:05

I used to be able to recall the most minute detail from passed events but I'm noticing more and more that I draw complete blanks when someone asks about things that have happened - sometimes a long time ago and sometimes only a couple of years ago.
I was talking about it earlier and it was suggested that it's because I'm always so busy but I don't think I'm any busier than most people and not really any busier than I was 10/15 years ago. Infact, now that ds is bigger, I have more time to myself than I ever have.
I have experienced several traumatic experiences over the last 3 years and wonder if that would have an effect on my memory and if that is the cause, whether it will improve as time goes by or as I deal with the issues.

OP posts:

Original poster

Clutterfreeintraining · 29/05/2019 17:55

Just me?

OP posts:

UrsulaPandress · 29/05/2019 17:58

How old are you? The menopause can affect memory as can age.

I can swear that certain things happened only to be proved completely wrong. Also I find that the more I recount a tale, the less distinct it becomes.

But then suddenly a smell will shoot be back to a distant memory with total clarity.

Original poster

Clutterfreeintraining · 29/05/2019 22:36

40 (and 6 days )

It's been bothering me for a couple of weeks but I've been noticing it happening for a few months.

I've read another thread lately about people not remembering events surrounding traumatic episodes.

I suppose I'm hoping once things settle down for me, my memory might return to how it used to be.

OP posts:

Laterthanyouthink · 29/05/2019 22:49

Same here though I'm a bit older and already taking HRT, which doesn't seem to help with memory problems. I am a terrible sleeper though and think it may be that causing the problem (and possibly thyroid problems).

No idea what to do except write a lot of lists, I think I need to focus more on one thing at a time rather than try to multi task too.

Soola · 29/05/2019 22:49

I was hospitalised with pneumonia a few years ago and since then my memory has suffered. Not long term but short term and I get frustrated when I think of an every day word/place/film or actors name and it’s right there on the tip of my tongue but I struggle to recall what it is.

My brain has to take a different route to remember the word or name.

CheshireSplat · 29/05/2019 22:54

I'm exactly the same, OP. My memory used to be amazing, especially for conversations. I could pretty much remember all conversations from my teenage years.

It is now shockingly bad. I also wondered if it's because I'm busier and not listening in the first place, but that's not the case. I forget so much - fortunately nothing at work, yet, but domestic stuff, yikes! Anything from a vague plan for a night out to seeing a sweatshirts of DD's and completely having forgettable I'd bought it only a week before. It does worry me! Different to you, but I am much busier than I used to be.

I wonder if it's pre-menopause stuff? I'm 41, so v similar.

applesarerroundandshiny · 29/05/2019 23:02

I often find myself unable to find the correct word, or names of films, singers etc. I also find myself forgetting what I'm meant to be doing in normal day to day e.g. Put clothes in washing machine but forget to switch on.

My parents have both suffered dementia in old age and it frightens me as they were both fine at my age.

I'm 55.

Stillneedwillpower · 29/05/2019 23:08

I'm mid 40s, and over the last 12 months I've really noticed how bad my memory has become (and so have others close to me). I'm not sure if it's the meds I'm on or something more sinister.

hmwhatsmynameagain · 29/05/2019 23:20

I find it stress related, it's they somewhere but can I find that info when required? Debatable?
Same with words, I can take around what I'm trying to say, give various other meanings but articulate my exact meaning in simple words when stressed, Not happening

Worst trying to say them name of my longest standing colleague, could give personal references and physical description, his name a total blank til someone said X? yes of course X

MindfulBear · 29/05/2019 23:24

Have you had your thyroid checked? Does anyone in your family have thyroid issues?
I have an underactive thyroid due to hashimoto s (autoimmune). Same as lots of people in my family.

When it's not under control my memory is appalling. The worst thing is whilst in the U.K. they said it was fine. Luckily when it last flared up I was overseas and they took it seriously. Changed my meds and woah..... my memory improved!!

Best of luck. Hope it is "just"
Stress and memory improves again soon.

IncrediblySadToo · 29/05/2019 23:32

Yes and it’s really worrying me.

I’m hoping it’s just a part of the peri menopause and things will go back how they were.

I’m an accountant, I used to be able remember loads of details, figures etc for several clients at once. Right now I struggle to remember one number for 2 minutes.

Events, places, people. - very few details I can recollect.

I’m currently having blood tests done so I’m hoping there might be found and resolved.

It might not help much, but you’re not alone 🌷

ReturnofSaturn · 29/05/2019 23:48

Does anyone know if anti-depressants can affect your memory?
I've been on them and an anti psychotic for over a year and my short term memory has been getting bad lately.

Laterthanyouthink · 30/05/2019 05:35

@MindfulBear what were the changes to your thyroid medication? I am on levothyroxine and seems to be OK in that TSH is close to 1.0 but Imhave huge problems remembering things from one minute to the next! Also wake way too early in the morning...

Gardai · 30/05/2019 05:53

My memory went quite bad in my 40’s, as did a lot of other women I know. I’m used to it now but it’s disturbing I admit. I write lots of lists and have reminders on my phone. Meds do affect my memory too.
Another idea is to start a diary and write the events of the day before, like brain training.
As for older memories, yes I do have some complete blanks. I see it like my poor brain is quite full of all the crap.
Reading, writing and lists are my way of coping and keeping mentally active.

nrpmum · 30/05/2019 05:56

I suffered viral meningitis last year and I now have underactive thyroid and I have terrible short term memory.

Original poster

Clutterfreeintraining · 30/05/2019 08:12

Thanks for all the replies. It is reassuring (?) to know it's not just me. I've mentioned it to my family and a couple of friends and they just joke it off as turning 40 = falling apart.

I haven't had my thyroid checked but will look into it. I have a rather strong dislike of my doctors' surgery. The last time I went I was made to feel like a total time waster and I'm too much of a wimp to not be bothered but am working on that

OP posts:

Original poster

Clutterfreeintraining · 30/05/2019 08:14

Menopause hadn't even been a consideration - in my head, I feel about 24 but yes, of course, that is a possibility. Will also look into that!

OP posts:

chocolateworshipper · 30/05/2019 10:40

I have associative amnesia due to very traumatic events. I seem to have a bad memory relating to anything stressful, or relating to things around the time of those events - but I have a good memory relating to things at work. I have a feeling it's because my brain stores stressful memories in a different way to non-stressful memories - but I have no medical evidence to back up my theory!

MindfulBear · 30/05/2019 11:45

Hi @Laterthanyouthink
The SA endo increased my levo and added liothyronine to the mix. Nhs have continued with the liothyronine since my return to the U.K.. it means my tsh is suppressed which they are unhappy with but I feel good. And my ft3 & ft4 are in the right part of the normal range (top quartile).

I also now take low dose naltrexone (LDN). Which is now prescribed for me privately by a clinic in Scotland.

As a result I fee far better than I did for years before my time overseas.

Memory is what my husband and I notice. Everyone else notices my weight.

Best of luck. It's hard getting properly treatment for thyroid problems in the U.K.

I found the website stop the thyroid madness brilliant. They also recommend other blogs to follow so you can take charge of your own illness.

Smellbow · 30/05/2019 13:49

I lost my father suddenly in my early 30's and my memory went to pot. I would be told that I'd had entire conversations of which I'd have no recollection, I'd find sent emails that I had no recollection of writing. I had previously been the type to never write anything down, as I could remember appointments, to do lists, rules for work.

Several years later, I've had to learn to adapt to keeping a record of everything important. It's not as bad as it was at the time though.

If you can't pinpoint an event like that, it's definitely worth checking it out with the doctor.

ineedaknittedhat · 30/05/2019 14:05

Menopause for me and I just can't be arsed to remember everything any more. My brain is cluttered and full now.

MindfulBear · 30/05/2019 16:40

Fwiw I use medichecks for all my blood tests. My GP cannot get the right checks done on my thyroid which means I cannot track it properly.
My memory is impaired by my thyroid function being lower than is optimal for me it's really important I check my own tests. British doctors accept a much wider range as normal so when I fall within what they term normal I can still feel terrible.

https://www.medichecks.com/thyroid-health

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