Flo's Age Related Forgetfulness - Just Jill, Rambler Cafe Blog

Just Jill is the creation of Jill Cohen Morris. Jill is an avid rambler and mother of two from Toronto, Canada with a remarkable zest for life and a fabulous sense of humor.

Dear Just Jill,

I had always been told that as I got older, my memory would fade … it's part of the normal aging process, right? Is it normal to look high and low for my glasses only to realize they are on top of my head? Is it normal to walk into a room with a purpose and forget why I was there?

After talking to my doctor, I was relieved to learn that this was most certainly related to a lack of hormones and not incompetence or something more serious. Nonetheless, this is devastating for someone who has always prided herself on an impeccable memory. Even more so when someone younger calls you out on it.

I try my best to laugh it off, but sometimes, I become so preoccupied with hiding it that my worry and anxiety levels are off the charts.

Is this what the experts refer to as brain fog? I have my own choice of words for it… irritating, annoying, embarrassing, and deflating… to name a few!!

Are there any other sufferers out there?
What's a gal to do?

Sincerely,
Forgetful Flo

Sole Sister Advice & Comments

It's why so many things are labeled "that thingy" in my household! I can't remember the whatchamacallits.
I just spent two days singing "I've Got Sunshine in My Pocket." Finally, this morning could remember that Justin Timberlake sings it!
I can relate to the frustration, irritation, etc. I call it "sensory overload.
As I was standing in the kitchen and reading this question, I was preparing my morning cup of coffee. I realized I had forgotten my spoon, so I walked to the cutlery drawer and grabbed one. I returned to my cup and saw a spoon already lying there! Case in point! Brain fog or lost in thought? Either might explain what is happening in my mind at any given moment. Is it possible that as you get older, you have more time to ponder thoughts of life and maybe more time to get lost in them, so it seems we are always forgetting things? I wonder. Hmm . . . I'll spend a few moments pondering this! Lol!
I am starting a 4-month class and am also in menopause. Scared for this reason, yes ... but not trying would be a failure. They say to keep the mind active!
Oh, this is so me! I feel spacey about little things, but my brain works great for the big stuff, thank goodness. I take it with a grain of salt, as there is very little I can do about it. So I try to laugh it off. Especially when I am looking for my reading glasses while I have three pairs on top of my head.
This was me! It seemed to get worse in the afternoon. And not being able to find the words I wanted to use. The key for me was balancing my hormones - so far, so good.
Getting sufficient good quality sleep and having a manageable schedule helps my memory.
I say laugh it off and enjoy life. There is very little you can do about it, and most of the stuff our menopausal brains forget isn't very important!