Frightening memory loss

When I was going through cancer treatment I got in my car and couldn't remember how to get it started. I felt panicky took a few deep breaths and started the car and drove off.
It's stress and worry that overwhelms the brain at times.

The experiences described here are very familiar to me. I have always suffered from stress and anxiety and it’s particularly bad at the moment because my DH has a serious illness which has affected both our lives dramatically. The incidents of memory lapse, clumsiness and occasional confusion are too many to list. However I know I’m ok generally as I can function well most of the time and those around me haven’t shown any concern. A trip to the GP and maybe some counselling should reassure you.

To be honest, though I am not a medical professional, it maybe stress, if you are really worried or finding memory episodes worsen, do see your GP. We also get some memory loss as we get older or absent- mindedness. You did know where you were and perhaps it was just a stress thing, it would be an awful fright though.

My sympathy to you, Alwaysworrying. But I don't think it's the beginning of dementia. A similar thing happened to me in M&S Exeter, about five years ago. I was up on the first floor and I simply could not work out how to get down to the ground floor. I remember feeling completely panicked that I could not find the lift nor the escalator. I wandered around for ages and eventually asked a staff member to help me.
Strangely, It has never happened again. So I'm sure you will be alright. Best wishes to you.

I know what you are going through so do lots of us here you have got listening ears here who will support you. I have always been a confident person but lately I feel my mobility and a few family concerns have diminished my confidence somewhat.

Worrying about your health is playing on your mind obviously see your GP and discuss your concerns. Be comfortable knowing you can always come here for support when you need it.

I think as women we're often juggling several scenarios at the same time, both our own and other people's. Sometimes stressful episodes, sometimes just busy busy busy.
It's no wonder that occasionally we momentarily do the wrong thing!

Men seem to find it much easier to compartmentalise and only think of one thing at a time.

crazyH I once had to do a complete circuit of a roundabout to get back on the route I needed on the school run, the children were absolutely delighted and talked about it for weeks afterwards 😂

Not just one, but most of the examples given by other posters have happened to me. It’s concerning, but am still standing.

Just once? Stress can bring this on, don’t worry, you will be fine.

I should treat this as a one off! About 8 years ago, so I would be 64, got in my car and for a few seconds couldn't remember which side of the road I should be driving on! I have been driving since 1978.

It has never happened since.

Thanks so much for all the replies so far, it's so helpful to find others have had something similar. I do appreciate all the replies.

I have had TGA(Transient Global Amnesia) This episode was too short for it to be that.

But I do recognise it as a sign of stress. So do not add to your existing stress by thinking you are developing dementia, you are not.

crazyH

Babs03 - hope your GS is doing ok. We’ve had one or two worrying times in our family.

Thanks he is fine now thank God but was so scary at the time x

Babs03 - hope your GS is doing ok. We’ve had one or two worrying times in our family.

Once I forgot my library card number to log on to the computer and had to get it out of my purse. Sometimes I go in a room and forget why! Brain fart 😱

I freaked out when I suddenly couldn’t remember the password to my phone, it’s something I do all the time, was worried sick at the time about my GS who was having neurosurgery at Great Ormond Street hospital, my daughter was in pieces and I was desperately trying to answer the phone to talk to her. It hasn’t happened since so I doubt it is dementia.
I think stress does cause confusion.

I’m not surprised your stressed, it sounds as if you’re under huge pressure.

Stress can interfere with our functioning, don’t worry at the moment, rather think how you can be more relaxed in your mind. Certainly negatively ruminating on it won’t be helpful. Rather remember all the times you function perfectly well. Hope the yoga helped you to relax a bit.

As cossy says if it happens again a GP visit would be sensible to work out if stress/anxiety it’s at the route of it. If you really find you can’t let go of your fears about it then see a GP as soon as you can to get their thoughts and maybe some support with your stress levels. Wishing you well.

This happened to my sister-in-law, she lost a complete day and couldn’t remember anything. She saw a consultant and he said it was called Transient Global Amnesia, it was nothing to do with dementia and sometimes occurs after a stressful event.

Alwaysworrying - no it is not the beginning of dementia. Years ago, when I was only 50+ and doing the daily school runs, I came to the roundabout and completely forgot which exit I had to take, to get to my daughter’s house. My GC said “Nan, you’re going the wrong way” - happened twice. I was only about 52 or so . So, don’t worry.

For the time being, at least, if I were you, I'd treat this experience as a one off. As you say, life at the moment is stressful.
A similar thing happened to me when I was in my late fifties. At the time my husband was suffering from a long illness, from which he eventually died.
I was walking home and reached a cross roads, close to my home.
Suddenly I had no idea where I was or which direction to choose.
Equally suddenly, the fog cleared and I recognised my surroundings.
I mentioned this to my GP who said it was probably caused by stress and tiredness. His diagnosis proved correct because I am now in my eighties and of sound mind.
Having said this, if you are seriously concerned, get yourself checked out, as I did.

This has happened to me before, it’s so scary, it’s always when I’m feeling ultra stressed/anxious.

If you’re worried, keep a note of this, if it happens again the near future, make an appt to see your GP.