Forgetfulness or Brain Fog – What’s Normal?
Is your ‘forgetfulness’ normal or do you need to pay more attention to it?
We all forget things sometimes, especially when we are busy or stressed. You might notice this happening more as you get older, and menopause can make it worse.
Brain fog at menopause is common and can be helped by checking hormone balance as if low in progesterone that can be a factor.
Mild memory loss can be normal as we age, and it does not always mean you will develop dementia.
Only 1% of people over 65 with normal age-related memory issues will develop dementia each year, but by 2040, it is expected there will be 1.4 million people with dementia in the UK.
It can be helpful to watch for warning signs to ensure that normal forgetfulness is not becoming something more serious.
When it’s an issue
If you have memory loss that makes it difficult to manage your daily tasks, it is important to pay attention to that.
Are you forgetting things you just heard? Are you asking the same question repeatedly? Do you rely on many notes or reminders to get through the day?
If you or your family notice these issues, talk to your doctor. They can help arrange a free Alzheimer’s test.
Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. You might pay the wrong amount on a bill or forget to sign a cheque — these things happen to all of us.
However, if you find it hard to follow directions for a recipe you know well or to keep track of bills like you used to, it may be a sign of memory problems.
Do you struggle with daily tasks?
Having a hard time using that TV remote or forgetting how to set the oven timer? If you need a bit of help now and then with those sorts of things, it’s probably not something to be concerned about.
However, if you have difficulties doing everyday tasks you are accustomed to, like driving to familiar places, playing favourite games, or knowing your way around the supermarket, it could be a sign of a more significant memory problem.
Where’s my car?
We’ve all had it happen. You come out of the shop and think, “Now, where’d I leave my car?”
It’s normal to forget where you parked now and again, and personally in a multi storey car park I make a note of the floor and nearest exit, or take picture on my phone of the exit which has that information!
If it happens regularly, though, check with your doctor. It could be a warning sign of dementia.
Who moved my keys?
Personally this is something I experience almost on a daily basis, and that is partly because I have never really got into the habit of keeping my keys in the same place. My mantra often during the day is “I have everything I need, I just don’t know where the heck it is!”
This happens to all of us occasionally, especially if you have been worried and haven’t kept your keys in their usual spot, so you can’t recall where you put them.
Usually, when you can’t find something you’ve misplaced, like your keys or glasses, you can remember where you last had them and look again to find it.
If you see that you’re always misplacing items and can’t remember where to find them, that is a usual sign of a larger issue with your memory.
Losing track of time
Most of us have woken up and thought to ourselves, “What day is it?” and usually it won’t take you too long to figure it out.
But if you are often losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time, that’s another sign of real memory trouble.
How did I get here?
If you walk into a room and can’t remember what you were doing, or why you came in there, you are certainly not alone as it happens to all of us occasionally.
But people with Alzheimer’s disease sometimes forget where they are. Or they find themselves somewhere and don’t remember how they got there. If that’s a problem you have, it’s a good idea to discuss this with your doctor and get help.
What’s the word?
Wellsprings Bioidentical Face Serum
A hormone-containing facial serum with natural progesterone & oestrogen, designed specifically for face and neck.
Learn MoreIt’s normal to have trouble finding the right word sometimes. Or you might use a word the wrong way. Not to worry.
But people with Alzheimer’s often start to have real trouble talking or writing. They might find it hard to recall the right term for familiar objects or the name of somebody they know well.
If you’re struggling with names, words, or what to say next, it may be a sign of more serious memory loss.
Withdrawing from social contact
Are you staying away from friends, family, and social interaction with others? Do you find it difficult to keep up with conversations?
When memory issues get worse, many people stop enjoying hobbies, social events, or activities they once liked.
If this feels familiar, it is time to talk to someone about it.
Take a memory test
If you’re not sure if what you’re experiencing is just normal ageing, a doctor can help you find out. They will know if the memory loss you have is within the normal limits or not.
Most doctor’s offices can provide this either at the office or through a specialised service at your home. They will ask you questions and have you do some tests.
They can also look for other issues that might seem like dementia, such as reactions to some medicines or feelings of sadness. Even not drinking enough water can lead to memory problems or forgetting things.
How to help yourself
If your memory is fine but you are still feeling worried, there are a few simple actions you can take to help.
Regular exercise, eating healthy foods, and avoiding smoking or drinking too much are all good steps.
Staying socially connected with friends, family, and support groups is important. It is also helpful to keep your mind active. People who read, solve puzzles, or engage in other activities are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
These activities may help keep your mind sharp. It is also wise to manage stress, eat well, and exercise.
As I’ve become older, I have found that reminders make my daily routine much easier. You can use a diary or a list, but I personally use technology like Alexa or Siri on my phone.
They remind me of appointments and when I need to go out, and they even help me remember to take things out of the oven when I’m watching TV!
There are many similar devices available that can be very helpful if you tend to get distracted or forgetful. You can often set them up in advance for future appointments, like with your doctor or dentist.
Helpful information
Hormone balance plays a key part in getting Menopause symptoms under control and issues with brain fog and forgetfulness will raise your stress levels.
Unfortunately, this will impact on all your hormonal symptoms including the brain fog so do ensure that you have good levels of progesterone and oestrogen in balance with each other.
Memory loss should be always be taken seriously, and it is true that one of the main things that can affect your ability to remember is when you are under any amount of stress.
That can come from your surroundings, your connections with others, or simply happenings in the world around you that you cannot manage.
Many women do find that they experience some forgetfulness at menopause as hormone levels change. It’s often called brain fog or brain freeze, but there are actions you can take to improve it.
The things I have already talked about to keep your brain busy will help, but the main action you can take is to manage your stress levels and make sure your hormones are balanced.
If your stress levels are worrying you then this article can be useful:
