Short-term memory problems

[steffi248]

I've been experiencing some really irritating short-term memory loss problems (for myself as well as other people).  I am 35, female and trying to figure out why and how I can improve this.  Ther are a few things I have considered...I was in an auto accident last year.  I was t-boned and the driver side airbag went off and pretty much saved my life.  I had whiplash and have experienced a little neck pain ever since, but the emergency responders said I was okay at the scene of the accident, had me turn my head a bunch of different ways, checked my response etc.  Could this mess up my memory?  The reason I wonder if it is something else is because I have always been a little scatter-brained, but it has gotten noticably worse.  Could this be hormonal?  I also have depression and take 50 mg of Zoloft.  It makes me a little drowsy, but when I'm off it, I find it even harder to concentrate.  I've started taking brain and memory enhancement supplements.  These helped a little, but not a lot.  I checked out the brain games, crossword puzzles etc.  I feel a little more confident about stuff, but people will ask me to do somethinga nd a minute later I will already have forgotten to do it.  I do in fact feel very multi-tasked.  If there is a way to describe it, I am overly-multi-tasked on the job and my home life is also quite busy.  Should I get tested for ADD?  Am I starting the downward spiral into Dementia and Alzheimers? I'd like to sharpen my thought processes enough to wear its something more excusable.  Like I said it is pretty annoying.  I forget and mix up dates, priorities, names, things I need to remember to do and buy.  I walk down the stairs to get something and have to walk back up them and backtrack just to remember what it was I went downstairs to get.  Help!

[Ricobord]

Definitely go see your PCP and ask for a referral to see a neurologist. You should get an MRI to see if they can see anything unusual in your brain.  Some basic blood tests would also be helpful to check your metabolism and various vitamin and mineral levels.

Some supplements that might help are Omega 3, magnesium, Vitamin D, calcium, and curcumin.  Curcumin has anti inflammatory properties, and cultures that consume lots of it have much lower rates of Alzheimer's.

ADD is a childhood disorder that some people continue to have into adulthood.  It is not something you acquire as an adult.

I hope you get answers soon!

[jackie722]

Could be a numerous of reasons....

Low IRON causes memory loss....and also LACK of Vit B's...

Im not sure about Zoloft - but I know that there side effects are pages long...as with every chemical drug on the market...

Think you need a thorough check up with your GP or even a neurologist..

Best of luck and hope u feel better soon

[smiley692]

Ask you doctor to do a MRI and check for MS,I have had it for a few years and the symptoms sound similar,good luck and GOD bless