Increased forgetfulness and Memory issues/ Mental health or other?

@firewolfpup17 A warm welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to talk and share experiences with other people like you. However the significant change in your memory and forgetfulness you are describing is concerning and should not be ignored. It's important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. I would suggest having a friend or family member drive you to the emergency room. They can rule out possible serious illnesses, such as a stroke, epilepsy, infection, neurological disorders, etc. and find out the cause of the memory loss.

May I ask if you have talked to any family, friends, or your doctor regarding your recent short-term memory loss?

I just had similar memory issues that seemed to start all at once. I have just completed cognitive testing from a Neuropsychologist who I was sent to by my Neurologist. Her testing plus a Brain MRI and EEG showed that I DO NOT have Alzheimers or Dementia. I do recommend the doctors and tests especially due to your age ( I'm a lot older) Drs. said any changes I have had cannot be reversed so I guess I just go from here and do my best. One of my biggest concerns was that my handwriting changed drastically and I was told to write every day to help it. All my best to you.

I have brought up my consern, but unfortunately my husband who has a TBI wouldnt be very helpful in information in significant change. He just says im stressed, which feels inaccurate. And with covid i havent spent much time around others.

@firewolfpup17, I agree with @buyearly that it's time to seek a medical consult. The gaps in your memory while caring for your 2-year-old raise additional concern. If you feel reluctant to seek immediate medical attention, have you consider calling your hospital system's nurse hotline?

As a general rule: I believe that a thorough assessment is necessary—differential diagnosis for this cluster of symptoms is so important, guessing the diagnosis and getting the wrong treatment is unethical at best, and dangerous at worst. Never settle for, “it could be…” Need to have data to confirm. Physical and psychological assessments are necessary.

I have reached out to my doctors office, and have been waiting for them to get back to me, but if I dont hear from them by today Im going to go to the ER because it is really bothing me. I just would hate to go in and find out its nothing...i have had that happen a lot over the past 12 years with my GI stuff, its just so frustrating to feel like your conserns are not being taken seriously.

I know it's hard when you are hurting, but getting help is of utmost importance. If your doctor can't help or this is not his field, ask him for a referral to a doctor who can -- Neurology maybe. Also since doctors always seem to be in a hurry, I make a list of every symptom I'm having and take to the appt. It helps me not forget anything and it actually helps the doctor focus on what's going on and then I leave a copy for my file. Hope this helps. God bless you!

It's so good to hear our forum really listens to what we say...and continually provides realistic ideas and ongoing support. I am absolutely positive that these symptoms merit assertive actions. Especially with a two year child in your care. I have found from personal experience that when I was diagnosed with STRESS...I knew I had to look further.

@firewolfpup17 Regardless of the cause of these symptoms, it is not nothing. It's good you are seeking medical attention. It's important to rule out more serious afflictions. Only then can you and your providers begin to treat and manage these symptoms.

Will you let us know what happens after you go in tomorrow?

I will absolutely keep everyone posted. I thank you all for the support, obviously this is a very anxious time for me...especially having anxiety already. I was called back and talked to my doctor's nurse...(my doctor is over a state border line (IL/IN) so travel there might not be an option because of covid) and she said she was going to talk to the doctor and get back to me.