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Could Loss Of Memory Be Related To Stress?
my question is this: I have relatives who had Alzheimer s and Dementia. I am 63 and I find it hard to not feel out of the loop with the every day things. I have kept things in the same place so I don t get upset. it could be stress but my family treat me different. the mock my talkative self and mock my forgetfulness. I feel very concerned because my doctor doesn t take me serious, he leaves the room quickly. I was asked to say . orange, apple, banana. of course I remember them but I want my head x-rayed. I want to know in advance. there are a lot people can do to help themselves. I just want a good test to tell for sure. what do I do?
posted on
Wed, 22 Apr 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 1 Mar 2023
Answered on
Tue, 4 Apr 2023
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Yes, stress can be related to memory loss, as it can affect the brain's ability to encode and retrieve memories. Chronic stress can also lead to structural changes in the brain, which can contribute to memory problems. Understandably, you're feeling concerned, given your family history of Alzheimer's and dementia. It's important to take your concerns seriously and seek out medical advice.
If your doctor is not taking you seriously, you may want to consider seeking a second opinion or finding a new doctor who will listen to your concerns. You can also request a referral to a specialist, such as a neurologist, who can perform a more thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate testing. In terms of testing, there are several options available, including cognitive tests, brain imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan, and blood tests to check for underlying medical conditions that could be affecting your memory.
It's important to remember that forgetfulness is not necessarily a sign of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, and there may be other factors contributing to your memory problems. Getting a thorough evaluation can help identify any underlying issues and determine the best course of treatment or management.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Yes, stress can be related to memory loss, as it can affect the brain's ability to encode and retrieve memories. Chronic stress can also lead to structural changes in the brain, which can contribute to memory problems. Understandably, you're feeling concerned, given your family history of Alzheimer's and dementia. It's important to take your concerns seriously and seek out medical advice.
If your doctor is not taking you seriously, you may want to consider seeking a second opinion or finding a new doctor who will listen to your concerns. You can also request a referral to a specialist, such as a neurologist, who can perform a more thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate testing. In terms of testing, there are several options available, including cognitive tests, brain imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan, and blood tests to check for underlying medical conditions that could be affecting your memory.
It's important to remember that forgetfulness is not necessarily a sign of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, and there may be other factors contributing to your memory problems. Getting a thorough evaluation can help identify any underlying issues and determine the best course of treatment or management.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Hi,
Yes, stress can be a contributing factor to memory loss. Chronic stress can affect the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory formation and retrieval, and lead to memory problems. Other factors that can affect memory include age, genetics, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.
If you are concerned about your memory loss, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider and express your concerns. They may recommend further evaluation and testing to determine the underlying cause of your memory loss. This may include a neurological exam, cognitive testing, imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan, or blood tests to check for underlying medical conditions.
It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing memory loss, as early intervention and treatment can help slow the progression of certain conditions and improve quality of life. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques can also help improve cognitive function and memory.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Yes, stress can be a contributing factor to memory loss. Chronic stress can affect the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory formation and retrieval, and lead to memory problems. Other factors that can affect memory include age, genetics, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.
If you are concerned about your memory loss, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider and express your concerns. They may recommend further evaluation and testing to determine the underlying cause of your memory loss. This may include a neurological exam, cognitive testing, imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan, or blood tests to check for underlying medical conditions.
It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing memory loss, as early intervention and treatment can help slow the progression of certain conditions and improve quality of life. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques can also help improve cognitive function and memory.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
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