Occasional memory loss

[k80sg1]

My gf's mum who is 58 this year bathed multiple times this morning and everytime she came out of the bathroom, she claimed that she can't recall having already taken shower. She had similar situations like this in the past but not as bad as today. Could this be a symptom of dementia or Alzheimer's?

Many thanks.

[Dazon50]

I just want to back up Yvette's posting as she mentioned some of the main reasons that can be tied to behavioral changes.  The UTI's is one that a lot of people don't realize...which is why when someone is having dementia type behaviors, it is recommended to get a urine specimen to have tested. An elderly person can even have hallucinations with UTI's.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's can include forgetting that one has eaten a meal, where someone has been, getting lost while out in the community, putting things in strange places, not appearing to remember having met someone.  It is with increasing frequency these things happen along with mood changes.

Seeing the Doctor is an excellent recommendation under the circumstances.  I agree with Yvette in asking you to keep us posted.  We care :-)))

[k80sg1]

Thanks for the information Yvette, she has never visit the doctor for this problem before as previously the memory loss duration only lasted for several minutes at most and I thought everyone had it once in a while. However this time, it lasted for almost half a day and eventually come back to her senses. We will be bringing her to see the doctor tommorow.

[Yvette BG]

I can understand your concern. A couple of questions--How long has this memory loss been going on, that she can't remember having taken a shower? And how long ago did she see a doctor, and what tests if any did they do when she saw him/her?

If she hasn't seen a doctor lately, since she seems worse today than she has been in the past, I would call and see if the doctor can see her today.

Many different conditions can cause memory problems (including alcohol and/or other drug problems). Even infections like urinary tract infections can cause trouble thinking and remembering, as can nutritional deficiencies. (Is she running a fever and how does she feel and seem otherwise?) Certainly neurological conditions including dementia can cause memory problems.      

Please keep us posted as to how she's doing.

Good luck,
Yvette