Do you have a good memory?

CoffeeFirst

I’m only in my early fifties but my memory is a bit rubbish at times!

I’m desperately trying to remember certain words and sometimes just can’t. I’ve even had to rehearse a conversation in my head so I can familiarise myself with a couple of words.

Does this sort of thing run in families (my mum can be a bit like me)? So I’m blaming my genes instead! 

MillieMay

I’m on lots on medications and my conditions can all cause my memory issues.
sorry you suffer as well CoffeeFirst.

Tori_Scope

My memory can be decent for some things, but pretty bad for many things @CoffeeFirst. And I'm only in my 20s! I don't know if it runs in families or not. That's an interesting question My guess would be that it'd be down to multiple factors. 

Grinchy

my memory is terrible, has been since i started getting ill, not sure if its the tablets or something to do with complex PTSD and anxiety, i feel your pain everyone, just another thing to add to the list of ailments

leeCal

My memory for some things like actors names and sometimes place names isn’t good. I also forget some words but I put that down to not participating in conversations very often. 

My mother always said how awful her memory was but I used to point out that her vocabulary was actually immense, many thousands of words correctly remembered, it was just the odd one or two forgotten ones which were outliers, unusual. 

Oxonlady

I have found that excruciating, constant pain has a definite deleterious effect on my memory. So does fatigue. Normally, my memory is not too bad. 
The Paramedics I saw yesterday were amazed that I could remember my NHS number. But every time I book hospital transport, I have to tell them my NHS number in order for the booking to be accepted, so I've had to learn it by heart!

I also remember my debit card number, expiry date and security number. My son says that's a sign that I'm spending far too much using my card!

There's a supplement that helps my memory, called Choline and Inositol. Of course it doesn't mean that it would work for everyone else. I just have to remember to take it! 

janer1967

I've always had a good memory but it does get worse with age and also now my brain isn't as active as it was when I was working and not being able to read or study or do puzzles etc due to vision 

Cartini

I had a fractured skull and brain damage 20 years ago, as a result my memory isn`t what it should, or could, be.  The worst "residue" (for want of an expression) of the injury is that if someone cuts me off when I`m talking, I can have a "reset" in that I completely forget not only what I was going to say but what I was talking about.

L_Volunteer

A really insightful thread! Thanks everyone. 

Also, no, due to fibro fog I don't have a particularly good short-term memory. Though, my long-term memory is good  

SueHeath

I've never been able to remember actor names and things like that, some times i can forget what i'm saying half way through a sentence, but a lot of people suffer like that so i just put that down to the old ageing process, i am good at remembering past things though - i know it's not dementia ha ha x

L_Volunteer

Ha ha, oh @SueHeath. Would you say that you also have good long-term memory then? 

SueHeath

L_Volunteer said:

Ha ha, oh @SueHeath. Would you say that you also have good long-term memory then? 

ha ha yep! x

L_Volunteer

Wahoo for long-term memory! 

SueHeath

ha ha what are you like @L_Volunteer ha ha x

L_Volunteer

Fully fuelled by you and the other community members so not sure who is to blame @SueHeath! 

ByTheSea

I have the strangest memory, I can remember lots of things, particularly involving numbers and remember my NI number all my life, at nearly 52, however I badly forget appointments and dates which gets me in trouble and I have bad name and face recognition.   

66Mustang

I can't remember whether I posted on this thread so am going to post (again?).

I can remember things like random peoples names from 15 years ago that are no longer an acquaintance - e.g. the lawyer that dealt with a property sale over a decade ago.

But I forget short term things like if I leave a sandwich wrapper in the back of my car and tell myself to remember to throw it out when I get home so it doesn't smell, it will always be there the next day.

Sandy_123

I'm terrible with appointment dates and times, I now put them on calendar. I failed a memory test at the drs about 5 years ago and they just said you failed. Off you go  can remember yester years very well 

Phillfroggy

@CoffeeFirst  My short term memory is awful. When I had my first stroke aged 34 the clot on my brain scarred part of the brain that is responsible for memory and it damaged this. When I say short term it can be something 5 minutes ago to a week. Either my  sister or brother  will call me at 9am every morning to take my morning medication and put an x on my medication box  for that day morning also the same in the evening at 9pm. My kids are brilliant also they keep buying me little puzzle boxes and gadgets that can help with memory issues.

SueHeath

Bless you @Phillfroggy my own sister had a big stroke a few years ago now, her body was left in tact but it has affected her brain, bless her she can phone me up 3-4 times a day to tell me the same thing. It must be awful for you but i am sooooo glad you have a good supportive family. x

Binky1234

Used to have excellent memory then fibromyalgia came into my life and most days I live in fibrofog. I have little post it notes all over the house and when I remember something important I write it down immediately that was a tip I got from a pain management meeting via zoom.