I’m slowly not able to remember where and what I’m doing daily.

Posted by BoneHead @stsopoci, Nov 18, 2023

I’ve been losing things and not remembering what I am supposed to be doing. Luckly I am computer savvy so I use my calendar and cell phone hourly to remind me. I never had a good memory even when I was young but now it’s really frustrating to suddenly not remembering something that I was doing. What’s my first steps?

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@paul65

I attended a daylong seminar on dementia at Mayo in Rochester, MN, recently and all things relevant to that diagnosis were thoroughly discussed. It was tremendous. One of the takeaways was that most people who worry about their forgetfulness don't have a problem. It's when you don't know that you don't remember you have an issue. For instance, one presenter said if you forget where you put your coffee cup, that's normal. If you forget how to make coffee, that's problematic. Someone else here mentioned using lists and notes. I have actually been doing that since my 30s (now 60s). I am occasionally made fun of, but I do not forget much as it's somewhere on the list. Just remember to consult the list! Another practice also already mentioned that works for me is always putting things in the same exact spot and be purposeful about everything you do. I even say to myself, "I am hanging my coat in the hall closet" to help remember where it's at. Most importantly, try not to worry too much. I think that makes things worse.

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Excellent reply

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I leave the more urgent reminders to myself in the bathroom, which I visit oh-so-very-often. Rather than requiring a note, I have a figurine indicating something to do in the kitchen. (Typically it's a pot cooling on the stove that needs to go into the fridge.) Same for the stairs to the basement - a figurine at the top indicates that either something is going down, or I intend to fetch something from the freezer next time I'm downstairs. *Usually* this is enough.

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Try to follow the rule "Only handle it once," i.e. if you're picking up stuff, pick up one item and put it away, then pick up the next.
Don't try to do bunches of complicated little tasks all at once. Take a moment to feel satisfied when a task is done; don't jump right to the next one.
Carry an index card and pencil in your pocket. Make notes of things that need to be done and check them off. Any other memory bits can also be written down.
Prime your visual memory. When you move an object to a new place, take a moment to look directly at it and say "Here is where I put the Xxxxx."
Take advantage of quality online cognitive tests, such as those from Mayo and AARP.
Participate in interesting online groups like this one!

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@paul65

I attended a daylong seminar on dementia at Mayo in Rochester, MN, recently and all things relevant to that diagnosis were thoroughly discussed. It was tremendous. One of the takeaways was that most people who worry about their forgetfulness don't have a problem. It's when you don't know that you don't remember you have an issue. For instance, one presenter said if you forget where you put your coffee cup, that's normal. If you forget how to make coffee, that's problematic. Someone else here mentioned using lists and notes. I have actually been doing that since my 30s (now 60s). I am occasionally made fun of, but I do not forget much as it's somewhere on the list. Just remember to consult the list! Another practice also already mentioned that works for me is always putting things in the same exact spot and be purposeful about everything you do. I even say to myself, "I am hanging my coat in the hall closet" to help remember where it's at. Most importantly, try not to worry too much. I think that makes things worse.

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Exactly! I have to remind myself that I am never in such a hurry that I have to put something down in a random place rather than where it belongs. I try to find everything at night awhile before bed so I do not start the next day without. I operate on lists of things to be done and tough out Fridays so all gets done. It does help to keep up with all the household tasks.

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@edsutton

Try to follow the rule "Only handle it once," i.e. if you're picking up stuff, pick up one item and put it away, then pick up the next.
Don't try to do bunches of complicated little tasks all at once. Take a moment to feel satisfied when a task is done; don't jump right to the next one.
Carry an index card and pencil in your pocket. Make notes of things that need to be done and check them off. Any other memory bits can also be written down.
Prime your visual memory. When you move an object to a new place, take a moment to look directly at it and say "Here is where I put the Xxxxx."
Take advantage of quality online cognitive tests, such as those from Mayo and AARP.
Participate in interesting online groups like this one!

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I have been referring to myself as “hands of stone”
mocking my computer skills/speed. Now I am repenting for keeping me “down”. My new strategy for remembering is to use the speaker on the phone put the info in notes. I call that a twenty first century idea!

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Have you gone to a neurologist?

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Amnesia may be a sign of serious illness, so it's important to have a doctor evaluate this condition.

You have been applying self treatment utilizing your computer, calendar, and phone to aid in memory gaps but it appears that you are experiencing advanced cognitive decline which would not be in your best interests to continue to ignore.

As someone suggested an appointment with a neurologist would be necessary to get a diagnosis and discuss the best appropriate treatment for you.

Please do it quickly.

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Lots of very helpful suggestions . Anything that is good for your heart is good for our brain. Diet, safe exercise in a controlled environment or walking with
a partner all help. Do not give up. Reach out to others if you can get support.

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Hi, sometimes I feel like you do. I am getting things mixed up and forgetting dates and birthdays.
You can get a test ordered by your doctor that will tell if you have Dementia or Alzheimer’s. My husband had taken a test for 2 hours that confirmed Vascular Dementia and it was worth it to confirm our suspicions.
I would definitely tell your doctor and see what he says about your memory.

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