Suggest treatment for gradual loss of short term memory
Patient: For the past 5-6 years I have had a gradual lost of short term memory. When I go to the grocery store, I have to take a shopping list. Never had that problem before. When I tell a friend something, I sometimes forget what. I remember that I told him but forget what. It s very annoying to look up an address on a map and then when I drive to the vicinity, I ve forgotten the address. I m 86 so is this normal? My lady friend is also 86 and she remembers most of her things and even remembers most of mine. But she claims she sometimes has a similar problem. But in her case, even if she forgets the answer to a question, after talking for a few minutes, she suddenly remembers. Sometimes I ll remember over night but mostly not. I have to find some key item to trigger my memory. Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.  I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.  I advise you (and your lady friend) get appointments for a full battery of tests including serum, urine, and likely brain imaging studies.  It sounds as if you could be suffering from the early stages of some type of cognitive dysfunction such as Alzheimer's dementia, however, this can only be diagnosed after making sure that you have no reversible causes for mental in capacities such as thyroid or other glandular abnormalities, Vitamin B12, Vit. D, electrolyte, or infectious types of disturbances.  Seek out a neurologist who is interested in performing a comprehensive set of studies and analyses before coming up with a diagnosis.  Don't just accept taking some pill, nothing better than exercising the brain to gain prowess and strength in the neurons and electrical circuitry.   Hope I have answered your query.  Let me know if I can assist you further.