Worrisome Behaviors

Hi,

My fiancé (23) has never been very good at remembering names and faces, but more recently (last 5 years); he has had problems with his short term memory. He forgets what he is talking about mid sentence; he sometimes ends a conversation mid sentence because he has forgotten that he was talking. He is extremely introverted and I used to believe that this was the cause of most him memory problems. Just too much going on upstairs, but its getting worse, recently he told me that he was invited to go on break with a friend at work, and afterwards forgot if he even went. He had to ask his friend if he went on break with him. Now break consists of getting on the elevator, ridding down 5 stories, hanging out outside for 15 minutes, and chatting. I myself can not imagine not remembering this. I am extremely worried because today he asked me if his computer monitor was shaking, because to his eyes it was wobbling up and down. In reality that was not the case. This combined with the memory loss frightens me.

We have had him tested for thyroid issues and those tests were fine. His Mom and I, though never tested, believe he is hypoglycemic, because if he doesn’t have food in him he gets EXTREAMLY agitated. I also know that he is under some stress with work. I keep trying to get him to go to the doctor, because I am worried that he needs to see a neurologist, but he refuses to go.

After reading this do you think that it is pertinent to go to the doctor? How can I convince him? What might be wrong?

Thank you so much
Jen

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine your fiancee and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of his symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

It sounds like he is exhibiting evidence of memory problems. There are many potential causes for this. At his age, a dementia like Alzheimer's disease is highly unlikely. However, there are other types of neurodegenerative disorders which can cause progressive cognitive decline in that age group. However, other, often severe, neurologic symptoms such as muscle weakness, increased tone, etc would be present, so that is unlikely as well.

Seizures are one possibility. Some times of seizures do not cause the convulsive shaking that some people think of when they think of seizures, but rather just alterations in consciousness/awareness. However, these often manifest as episodes of staring off with return to activity right afterwards (so called "absence" seizures). Given the description you provide, seizures seem less likely, but it is just in general a possibility in some one who has "lapses" of time.

Depression could be an explanation to all those symptoms, particularly since you describe him as being more socially withdrawn lately as well. Depression in this age group may not be something the patient admits to easily, but it is of course important to identify and treat. Certain vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin B12 can cause symptoms that you describe. As you mention, thyroid problems, specifically hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, can cause such symptoms.Certain medications or substances such as excessive alcohol intake, and illicit substances particularly marijuana can lead to these symptoms of apathy and memory loss.

I recommend continued follow-up with his regular doctor. After he/she evaluates him, he/she may choose to do further testing or refer him to a neurologist. I also recommend that if you are concerned about depression, which may very well be the case given the description you provide, and if he is not very open to be evaluated for this, that you see what resources you have in your community or at his employment that may help him in offering him evaluation and treatment or can help you provide him with the necessary information in the right words to help him decide to get evaluated and treated.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.