Severe Forgetfulness: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps

Severe forgetfulness

Dear Vice Dean,
I have some symptoms I would like to consult with you about.
Over a decade ago, I experienced several episodes while walking where I suddenly lost all consciousness.
During these episodes, I had no memory of what happened, and my vision was completely blank, yet my body continued to move.
After seeing a doctor, I was told that I had abnormal brain discharges and was prescribed medication for about a year.
However, the same episodes continued to occur.
Upon further consultation, the doctor admitted me for two days to observe my actions for 24 hours and assess my brain condition.
He suggested that it might not be possible to determine the situation at that moment and concluded that I had no issues and did not need to continue medication.
Since then, I have not experienced any dizziness or loss of consciousness during activities.
However, my memory has been extremely poor for the past 20 years.
I frequently experience situations where I forget what I was doing, such as yesterday when I placed a box of hangers into my suitcase but completely forgot where I put them.
I searched everywhere but could not recall, and I even forgot the details of handling the hangers, leaving me with no memory of that time, which was only two hours ago.
In my mind, it was as if that memory did not exist.
Similar situations occur repeatedly in my daily life.
For instance, I might have a document in my hand, but an hour later, I have no recollection of having handled it.
I forget where I placed things and cannot find them, and despite trying hard to remember, my mind is completely blank.
Sometimes, while walking, I suddenly have a moment where I forget who I am, with no memory at all, and for a few seconds, I don’t know who I am or what I am doing.
It takes a while for me to regain my senses.
My mother, who is 81 years old, once forgot how to get home while out shopping in her sixties but eventually remembered and made it home safely.
My father, who is 85, experienced confusion between day and night and forgot to eat meals, even claiming he hadn’t had breakfast right after finishing a meal.
He has seen a neurologist and was prescribed medication, which significantly improved his symptoms, and he is no longer on medication and is doing well.
I am still employed and work in a static and managerial role.
I am genuinely frightened by these symptoms.
What kind of condition do these symptoms indicate? Which specialist should I consult? Is there a genetic component? Will this condition continue to worsen? I sincerely appreciate your assistance and look forward to your response.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Juju
March 23, 2009

JuuJu, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/03/23

Dr. Zeng Kongyan reply Neurology

Hello Juju,
Regarding the situation mentioned in your letter, complex epilepsy is a possible cause.
However, since no abnormalities were found in the examinations conducted over a decade ago, I recommend that you visit a large hospital's neurology department for a re-evaluation of the diagnosis.
Generally, a standard electroencephalogram (EEG) will be arranged first, and if the results show abnormalities, the cause can be confirmed.
If the EEG results are normal but there are still significant clinical symptoms indicative of epilepsy, a 24-hour EEG may be scheduled.
If no abnormalities are found, further discussion with the physician will be necessary.
As for the memory issues, if they are persistent, a cognitive assessment can be arranged to determine if there is any impairment in intellectual functioning.
It is advisable to continue follow-up and examinations at the same hospital to accurately identify the cause.
Thank you for your letter, and I wish you peace, health, and well-being.
Sincerely,
Kong-Yan Tseng
New Tainan Hospital, Department of Health

Reply Date: 2009/03/23

More Info

Dear Juju,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your memory issues and the episodes of forgetfulness you have experienced. It’s understandable to feel anxious about these symptoms, especially given your family history and past medical evaluations. Let’s break down your situation to better understand the potential causes and next steps.

Understanding Your Symptoms
From your description, it seems that you are experiencing several types of memory issues, including:
1. Transient Amnesia: The episodes where you suddenly forget who you are or what you were doing can be alarming. These moments of blankness, where you lose awareness of your surroundings or your identity, may be indicative of a neurological condition that warrants further investigation.

2. Everyday Forgetfulness: The frequent instances of misplacing items or forgetting recent actions (like putting clothes in a suitcase) are common in many individuals, especially under stress or fatigue. However, the severity and frequency of your episodes suggest that it could be more than typical forgetfulness.

3. Family History: Your mother and father have also experienced significant memory issues, which raises the question of whether there might be a hereditary component to your symptoms. Conditions like Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia can have genetic predispositions.

Potential Causes
Given your symptoms, several potential causes could be considered:
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as epilepsy can cause episodes of altered consciousness or memory lapses. Even if you have been told that you do not have a current issue, it may be worth revisiting this with a neurologist, especially since you have a history of abnormal brain activity.

- Cognitive Decline: Age-related cognitive decline can begin in the 40s or 50s, but significant issues often arise later. Early signs can include forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.

- Mental Health Factors: Anxiety and stress can significantly impact memory and cognitive function. If you are experiencing high levels of stress, it could be contributing to your forgetfulness.

- Medication Side Effects: If you are taking any medications, consider discussing with your doctor whether they could be affecting your memory.

Next Steps
1. Consult a Neurologist: Given your history and current symptoms, it would be prudent to see a neurologist. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies (like an MRI or CT scan) and possibly an EEG to assess brain activity.

2. Cognitive Assessment: A neuropsychological evaluation can help determine the extent of your memory issues and differentiate between normal aging, stress-related memory problems, and more serious cognitive decline.

3. Family History Discussion: Make sure to discuss your family history of memory issues with your healthcare provider, as this information is crucial for understanding your risk factors.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Consider implementing lifestyle changes that can support cognitive health, such as regular physical exercise, a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, mental exercises (like puzzles or reading), and ensuring adequate sleep.

5. Mental Health Support: If anxiety is a contributing factor, seeking support from a mental health professional can be beneficial. They can provide strategies to manage anxiety and stress, which may help improve your cognitive function.

Conclusion
Your symptoms are concerning, and it’s important to take them seriously. While some forgetfulness can be a normal part of life, the patterns you describe suggest that further investigation is warranted. By consulting with a neurologist and possibly a psychologist, you can gain a clearer understanding of your condition and explore appropriate treatment options. Remember, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to seek help.

Take care, and I wish you the best in your journey towards understanding and managing your symptoms.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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