Forgetfulness

[Bluebellsbells]

Hi all,

Though I do plan to seek medical advice I would really appreciate some advice from anyone who has experienced similar symptoms.

I'm in my early 40s and have seen a decline in memory function for about two years it's beginning to impact daily life and work. Forgetting deadlines etc. and yes writing them down definitely helps but there are some things I should be able to remember and can't.

Today I found really upsetting. I went to two parties and found myself talking to people who I've never met before who were asking simple questions that you would expect. But even though they were simple questions I couldn't answer some for example one woman commented on my perfume and I couldn't tell her what it was, it's a perfume I have wanted for a while but only just bought. Then there were simple questions about work and holidays I knew the answers but couldn't find the right words.

Recently a colleague made a joke at my expense because I couldn't remember the word for bench.

These are just a small sample of examples. But I notice the frequency of not being able to find words to describe what I want to say and forgetting is becoming part of daily life.

Is it normal to be forgetful to this extent or a sign of something else?

In my case when this happened in 3 separate decades of my life it was down to 3 separate health issues.

B12 deficiency
Hypothyroidism
Vitamin D deficiency.

I actually thought I was getting early Alzheimer’s the last time because I was in my early 40’s. Go and speak to your dr so they can arrange for tests to rule things out, hopefully it’s not anything too serious but I know what a worry it is.

Thanks for sharing. I will definitely mention these when I go to the doctors. Its good to know it could be a variety of treatable factors and not necessarily early dementia.

I concur with the PP - B12 deficiency should be top of your list. That will cause, over time, dementia. It's slow to reverse as it does take some time to build up enough again. The active B12 test they will likely do can be very deceptive. You may have high levels of B12 but it may be inactive in your blood and not actually doing anything, so please if you get a test done let us know what the result is and the range.

I have hypothyroidism and certainly poor memory is part and parcel of that. Since getting my treatment on a better footing and seeing to my B12 and other nutrients my memory has improved although I do have ups and downs with it.

Good luck OP and don't despair, this is probably something that can be improved.

B12 definitely.. if your GP says your B12 is fine.. please take no notice.. they go by the NICE guidelines and what is " normal" for one isn't for another.
I was the same.. l now SI b12 once a week.. ( for last 2 years) and my memory is top notch.
I used to forget words for things and had to describe them.. for example l wanted a new sarong and said to my daughter " l want a new one of those things you put over your costume on holiday" l just couldn't remember the name. That happened loads and loads with other things.
B12 helped.

Thank you all so much for this, I'm also going to talk to my Mom too as she has a B12 deficiency, I'll ask her about treatment and symptoms. Even though I know these aren't quick fixes, it's good to know it can be treated. Will update when I know more x

Hi, did you ever find out if it was the deficiency? Curious as I'm going through something similar. Thanks

Hi I did have low iron low b12 but honestly even after a successful course of treatment with both now being normal, nothing has changed in regard to memory loss. I just battle through. I currently have pneumonia and have had for ten weeks. I'm literally on the very edge of what I can cope with.

When I'm better, I'm going back to the doctors and going to advocate better for myself and discover if it's peri or a deficiency of some sort.

Yes could it be peri menopause?

Yes it could be, I actually hope it is as it would explain so much!