Temporary memory loss

[jgirl3316]

My father is 80yrs old and six years ago started having episodes of selective memory loss. He has them about 3-5x's a year. My step mother has documented everyone and says that 90% of the time it happens just after he has dozed off for a short time and then he wakes up and has a strange look on his face and is slightly ash looking. He knows her name and our names, but says his mind is a blank and  he doesn't know where he is or where he has been. It can last a few minutes up to an hour. She just continues to ask him questions until it wears off. He said it also happens when he drives. He doesn't know where he has come from or where he is going. At this point he was told he needed to see a neurologist, but he is refusing to go. Is this a classic or common illness? What can we do to help other than telling him to pull over when he is driving and to go see a specialist?

[jgirl3316]

Thank you very much. I will try your suggestion. Is there any medication that would slow the process?

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

From what you are describing, it seems that your father is in the early stages of possibly an alzheimer's form of dementia.  This is common during the aging process but also has a genetic predisposition.  If he would refuse to consult a neurologist, maybe a good strategy is to use the term "general check-up" and not specifically a neurologic consult.

I hope you can make him have the consult soon.  Regards and God bless.