Poor memory + tendency to make up memories

usherer · 05-11-2008, 07:42 PM

Hi,

Since 2 years ago, I've been experiencing a deteriorating memory. I also find that I'm becoming illogical and have the tendency to either lie or make up memories.

I've been telling myself to focus and improve but it's been getting worse, and I've been getting on people's nerves; this has also impacted my previous job. I'm now a freelancer..

Today, my sis was telling me about how she intends to go cycling and I blurted out, "Since when do you cycle?" - when we went cycling together 6 months ago. Just now, I asked my friend if another friend has a TV - when we watched TV together 1 month ago.

I'm very worried now. It seems that some pathways in my brain have gone missing, and I can't make links between very simple things. This has also affected my ability to make logical decisions.

I'm very distressed and hope that someone can help me. I was suffering from depression in the last two years but started meds last year. I stopped the meds myself, and my moods have been rather stable for past 2-3 months. I was diagnosed bipolar II.

To my horror, I realised that my behaviour (mood swings, poor memory, being illogical) mirrors my mom's. My family thinks she's "just not focused" - exactly how my friends label me too. That makes it sound like a personality flaw which would be thought to remain there forever - but I don't want to continue being this way. If I can cure this, I want to.

Depression notwithstanding, do you think I could be suffering from dementia, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's?

Hope to hear from someone...

under_my_amberella · 05-11-2008, 07:44 PM

Is there a reason you haven't discussed this with a doctor yet?

Crazyaboutdogs · 05-11-2008, 07:48 PM

Are you in your fifties? I think you would really need to see a doctor and get a full work up.

DJG · 05-11-2008, 08:50 PM

Sounds familiar about memory loss.I know one woman i her fifties that suffers alike: sometimes she can't remember certain things that she did short while ago.But that, also, can change in variety of ways.Her health is not good and memory loss is chemical therapy related.
I would not jump to conclusions like being sick before doctor will perform a checkup.Might be related to depression meds you took as side effects.

usherer · 05-12-2008, 04:43 AM

under_my_amberella - I've just been blaming myself for not being focused. Didn't think there could be a problem.
Crazyaboutdogs - I'm 27 this year..
DJG - Besides bipolar, I'm as healthy as a bull, well at least physically and as far as I can see. I seldom fall sick.

Regarding checkups, where should I begin? I read very briefly about checkups needed for poor memory and it ranges from vitamin deficiency to MRI scan. I think only in the US show House that people can afford to go for multiple tests!

Crazyaboutdogs · 05-12-2008, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usherer

under_my_amberella - I've just been blaming myself for not being focused. Didn't think there could be a problem.
Crazyaboutdogs - I'm 27 this year..
DJG - Besides bipolar, I'm as healthy as a bull, well at least physically and as far as I can see. I seldom fall sick.

Regarding checkups, where should I begin? I read very briefly about checkups needed for poor memory and it ranges from vitamin deficiency to MRI scan. I think only in the US show House that people can afford to go for multiple tests!

You would have to go to a family practice doctor first and then they would give you the referrals for specialists and tests. Do you have health insurance? Twenty seven is too young for Alzheimers and Dementia. If you are Bipolar, perhaps that is the reason why these other behaviours are coming out.

05-11-2008, 07:42 PM	#1
usherer Offline Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 2	Poor memory + tendency to make up memories Hi, Since 2 years ago, I've been experiencing a deteriorating memory. I also find that I'm becoming illogical and have the tendency to either lie or make up memories. I've been telling myself to focus and improve but it's been getting worse, and I've been getting on people's nerves; this has also impacted my previous job. I'm now a freelancer.. Today, my sis was telling me about how she intends to go cycling and I blurted out, "Since when do you cycle?" - when we went cycling together 6 months ago. Just now, I asked my friend if another friend has a TV - when we watched TV together 1 month ago. I'm very worried now. It seems that some pathways in my brain have gone missing, and I can't make links between very simple things. This has also affected my ability to make logical decisions. I'm very distressed and hope that someone can help me. I was suffering from depression in the last two years but started meds last year. I stopped the meds myself, and my moods have been rather stable for past 2-3 months. I was diagnosed bipolar II. To my horror, I realised that my behaviour (mood swings, poor memory, being illogical) mirrors my mom's. My family thinks she's "just not focused" - exactly how my friends label me too. That makes it sound like a personality flaw which would be thought to remain there forever - but I don't want to continue being this way. If I can cure this, I want to. Depression notwithstanding, do you think I could be suffering from dementia, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's? Hope to hear from someone... Last edited by usherer; 05-11-2008 at 07:46 PM. Reason: Additional info

05-11-2008, 07:44 PM	#2
under_my_amberella Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Gender: Female Age: 28 Posts: 5,035	Is there a reason you haven't discussed this with a doctor yet?

05-11-2008, 07:48 PM	#3
Crazyaboutdogs Offline Platinum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Canada Gender: Female Age: 46 Posts: 15,627	Are you in your fifties? I think you would really need to see a doctor and get a full work up.

05-11-2008, 08:50 PM	#4
DJG Offline Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Gender: Male Posts: 79	Sounds familiar about memory loss.I know one woman i her fifties that suffers alike: sometimes she can't remember certain things that she did short while ago.But that, also, can change in variety of ways.Her health is not good and memory loss is chemical therapy related. I would not jump to conclusions like being sick before doctor will perform a checkup.Might be related to depression meds you took as side effects.

05-12-2008, 04:43 AM	#5
usherer Offline Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 2	under_my_amberella - I've just been blaming myself for not being focused. Didn't think there could be a problem. Crazyaboutdogs - I'm 27 this year.. DJG - Besides bipolar, I'm as healthy as a bull, well at least physically and as far as I can see. I seldom fall sick. Regarding checkups, where should I begin? I read very briefly about checkups needed for poor memory and it ranges from vitamin deficiency to MRI scan. I think only in the US show House that people can afford to go for multiple tests!