ask: Short-Term Memory Loss

Hi Island Girl

Thanks for your question. Firstly question - how old are you? It does matter in terms of any kind of memory loss.

Also, what do you consider short term memory loss? Most people think it means a few days or weeks but it's actually defined as being more mathematical. Most people can remember the first seven letters or numbers for something, for example, without needing it repeated. For example, if someone tells you their phone number; 555-2358, you can write it down straight away after hearing it, without needing it said again. You more than likely couldn't do this the next day. But that would not be considered a short-term memory issue. Short term memory really is short!

Short term memory loss is common in younger people in their 20 and 30s for many reasons. One is that our brain actually starts losing cells by the time we're in our 20s! How depressing is that?!

There are also some reasons why someone in their 20s and 30s would forget something that was told to them a few seconds before. One is having children. Having babies means sleep deprivation and it's pretty constant for several years. Someone who has two or three children in close succession can expect to be lacking in sleep for many years without a break (this I know!) and can very much cause short term memory loss. Someone can ask you something and you literally can't process what they mean and need it repeated again. Or you hang up the phone and cannot remember the street number that someone gave you several seconds before.

There are then different reasons as we get older.

Are you thinking more long-term memory loss, perhaps? Like you left a book somewhere a few days ago and then have no idea where it is? Or did someone tell you to meet them at a certain place and the next day you can't remember where? This is not short-term memory. Short term memory means being able to recall something said or done several seconds ago, not longer.

Fill us in just a little bit more, on the type of memory loss you are talking about and we'll help you more!

In the meantime, take this short-term memory test here:

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/stm0.html

Wow..Susan thanks for your quick response!

I'm in my late 30's and to me short-term memory loss is: having to write everything down because I can't remember what I need to do. Walking into the next room and forget why I was going there. Calling my husband and forgetting why I called him. Looking at something in front of me and can't remember what it's called (example book, car, oven etc.).

I have a feeling it's tied to hormones because I have also been feeling tired all the time. Is there a connection?

I am a believer that yes, it could be definitely tied to hormones (I think we vastly under estimate the power of hormones in our bodies and how they affect so much of our bodies and brains).

Some of what you are talking about would seem like short-term memory loss (knowing something and then forgetting it within 30 seconds) some seems more long term. I also think what you are experiencing is fairly normal. I'm in my late 30s too and have run upstairs purposely for something many times and by the time I get to the top, I can't remember why I'm there. It's frustrating and I have to go back down and stand where I stood before to try to remember. For me, much of it is due to fatigue.

I'm going to look into it more for you and tell you my findings by the end of the day.

Did you take that short term test? How did you fare?

Island Girl -

I'd mention it to your doctor the next time you have a visit. If this is happening every day, I would put a call in now. Better safe than sorry. If it's one of those frustrating things that happens a couple of times a week, you might be able to hold off till your next scheduled annual.

Ask yourself-

How is your diet, in particular you intake of vitamin B12?
B12 can be found in liver, wild salmon and eating organic eggs, chicken and cheese can give you a good supply. Raw cow's milk is another source.

How much sleep are you getting?
Most adults need an average of 7-8 hours of sleep every night. If you are getting less than that, it's very common to suffer memory loss as well as anxiety.

Have you had your thyroid checked?
A less than optimal thyroid can cause memory loss. Have your levels checked - it starts with a simple blood test.

Is your blood sugar normal?
If not, again this can trigger problems with memory

In the meantime, there are ways to improve memory. Crosswords, Sudoku and puzzles help with memory, as do board games. Taking some night classes in a subject you enjoy or find challenging keeps your brain working, as does physical exercise and an active and busy social life. Read and learn about a subject you don't know much about, in order to exercise your brain.

And here is a list of foods (from Manage Your Life Now) known to be good for memory:

1. Green leafy vegetables, spinach, cabbage, lettuce
2. Broccoli and cauliflower
3. Fruit juice, fruit
4. Various kinds of berries, pomegranates
5. Nuts
6. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel
7. Olive oil and other vegetable oils

(www.manageyourlifenow.com)

And again, if you are worried that this may be something more than fatigue or general, run-of-the-mill forgetfulness, put a call into your doctor.

I hope this helps!

I had the same problem in my late thirties, it turned out to be mercury poisoning. Have a specialized doctor (i.e. environmental health or preventive health provider) request mercury levels in your blood and urine. Do you eat a lot of fish? Where do you work in terms of your working space? Are you an artist? Dentist? Do you have too many silver feelings in your mouth?

Hi Susan,
Didn't do so great on the memory test. I did great on the first two but then tanked after that. Thanks for all the information you've provided great resources. I have had my thyroid and sugar tested and both are normal. I do have issues with sleep and could do better on my B12 intake. I'm keeping track of all my symptoms for my doctors visit.

Hi Anonymous, Mercury poisoning?! I don't eat a lot of fish, I'm not an artist or dentist and work place is great. However, I do have a few silver fillings in my mouth. Something to look into and consider as well. I'll make sure to mention this to my doctor as well.

Again thanks to both of you for your comments and information.

~Island Girl

Dear Island Girl:

I was in my early 40's when I started to notice the same type of short term memory problems which was combined with anxiety attacks, I truly thought I was loosing my mind. After a year and a half I figured out my body was lacking the proper amount of testosterone. I started to use a little compounded testosterone crease once a day and my mind is as sharp as when I was in my 20's and 30's and I have not had any anxiety attacks. Women can start to experience pre menopausal symptoms as early as their late 30's. I suggest you find a good doctor to get a complete blood work up to check your hormone levels to start. We have lots of information on this site about getting your hormone levels checked. When I started on the testosterone cream it was as it some one turned on a light, I started feeling like my old self again. There are some great books on this topic as well. If you would like more information on this, Susanc can get some links to you for more information on this subject if you are interested. Much Success, Kelley

Hi Susan, in regards to your silver fillings, depending on how old they are, many times the mercury vapors are released at night time and re-absorbed into the brain. The American Dental Association is divided on this issue so make sure to contact a dentist that has been trained in holistic dentistry and knows how to measure the vapor emissions. My blood mercury levels dropped by 50% as soon as my silver fillings were removed and so did the short term memory symptoms.

I'm only 21 and I can't remember whether or not my roommate said "Hi" to me. Then, I text him and he's like yeah I have been home since before you got here. I also have been having a lot of headaches lately. I don't have any children either. I am just a college student who's taking on 16 credits and working part-time.