Weird specific short-term memory loss; should I be worried?

[SDGuy]

This is a bit unusual;
Quick backstory: My cousin died unexpectedly three days ago and I am handling things (just started yesterday).

I've been in contact with multiple people for this (His Financial Advisor, Attorney, & Real Estate Agent, and the Medical Examiner).

I've had long conversations with all of the above folks, and have printed out hardcopies of their Bios & Business Info where I've kept notes of the conversations I've had with each.

Here's the weird part. I can clearly remember talking to all of these folks, and the details of what was discussed (matches the notes I wrote down from each conversation) - but every time I look at the names of each on the Bio Pages that I printed out for them, it's like I'm seeing the names for the first time (they don't ring a bell at all, and my first thought is along the lines of "was that really his/her name?!?").

Even looking at the printed out Bio Pages I made (with their names at the top in big bold letters) doesn't help - every time I see the name at the top, it's like I'm seeing it for the first time.

Anyways, I guess that's it - any idea if this oddly-specific memory problem (can't remember the names of these folks, but memories of everything else regarding them - their roles, and the gist of the conversations I had with each, seem fine) is a known syndrome/condition that can occur?

[special]

Just monitor the situation, could be stress related

A few years ago I was talking to my wife during dinner and I said we should something fun tomorrow to relax but she told me it's Monday and tomorrow it's Tuesday and we need to go to work. I really thought it was Friday, it's like I completely lost track of mind for a moment.

[d4]

Sometimes I'm on the Youtube homepage and two videos appear side-by-side that interest me. I click on the thumbnail first video but then quickly remember that I should've opened the video in a new browser window so I don't lose that second video. I click "Back" but the YT home page gives me all new recommendations this time and that second video that interested me is gone. 3 seconds and I completely forgot what that second video that interested me was. LOL :facepalm: I'm getting old.

[RAMd®d]

I don't think it odd at all, and it's very likely low-level stress related.

Keep an eye on it, but do some relaxing therapy, and make sure you get plenty of sleep.

Do some box breathing:

4s - inhale
4s - hold
4s - exhale
4s - hold

Repeat until it's second nature.

Find some time in the day to kick back and practice this.

After a few minutes, then just relax and breath normally.

I learned this in the service, and I frequently do it a little before bedtime.

My sleep is limited to maybe 3hrs unless I'm up for 20-24, so getting a good 3hrs helps a lot.


As far as the little gray cells are concerned, I frequently set things down and forget where.

I walk into another room and forget why.

I've read that this is normal but it still bugs me sometimes.

So I try to make it a habit of mentally telling myself 'You just put the ice cream pint in your sock drawer' three or four times so I don't forget it.

I've found if I don't do this or set a timer when I put a soda in the freezer to bring it down to 34ºF, the results are disappointing.

[Black]

Had your B12 levels checked recently?

[Speedy]

You definitely have dementia. Or you’re having a stroke in the memory part of your brain. Is your life insurance still in force?

[SDGuy]

Thanks everyone; I think it was likely (as pointed out) some mild stress at the situation.

I definitely felt like I was just running on auto-pilot on Wednesday and part of yesterday - but mostly feel more mentally awake today,, and the names of those folks don't seem new & foreign to me when I see them now. Shout-out to RAMd®d: purposely relaxing seems to help.

[RAMd®d]

purposely relaxing seems to help.


Box breathing is as close as I get to meditation, which is another alternative.

Taking time out to focus on - nothing - can do wonders.

Glad to hear you feel better.

As another members says:

Be well.

[special]

Well you remembered to come back and check this thread, so it can’t be that bad.

[Michael]

Anomia means somebody has difficulty in finding words. I have that and have for decades. There's a form of anomia for names. In your case I'd bet it's stress-related and that writing all the information down may actually make it the anomia more prominent because the primary way to recall a name is by focusing and paying attention to it. If you're writing it down you don't need to focus, as much, because you know you have it written down. Add the stress of the loss of your cousin and it doesn't surprise me, at all, that you've got a touch of anomia.

If it expands or gets much worse it would be worth a mention to your primary doc. It might be the beginnings of MIld Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and that would be worth getting care for.