They say pregnancy brain (a.k.a. momnesia)–a condition of short-term memory loss that occurs while you are growing another human being in your womb–ends once the baby arrives. So, why is it that I am still suffering from momnesia eight years after giving birth?
It’s gotten to the point that if I don’t write something down, it doesn’t exist. This includes, but is not limited to special events, appointments, items to purchase at the store, and lately, where I put my keys.
I am not getting any younger and my life is crammed with parenting, working, volunteering, running a household and a list of other –ings, which can easily make even a much younger person forgetful and distracted. However, there are times when I worry that I am suffering from early-onset dementia.
Do you get the same feeling sometimes?
These days parents have a ton on their plates and life can seem to spin out of control on a daily basis. In the midst of it all, it’s not unusual to wonder if we are experiencing “normal” forgetfulness or if there if there is something more behind driving off with a bag of groceries sitting on the top of your vehicle.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association there’s a difference between symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia and the forgetfulness that is a normal part of aging. For example, if reminders work, then you likely don’t have a major memory problem. Being able to connect a name, word or experience after someone or something offers you a reminder is part of “normal” forgetfulness.
If you are forgetful reminders can be your best friend. Visual reminders are particularly effective for me… if I remember to look at them. Health experts say when you stop accurately checking a calendar or notes to aid memory, that’s not “normal” forgetfulness and you might consider consulting a doctor.
Another sign that you may be experiencing something more than “normal” forgetfulness is if you are not able to remember a familiar name, word or experience even after thinking about it for a long period of time. If you can’t recall a person’s name, but after thinking it over for a while it comes back to you, that’s “normal” forgetfulness, according to Alzheimer’s experts.
Experts also say that memory problems that are triggered by trying to do too many things at once, or when you are highly stressed or greatly fatigued are not likely the result of early-onset dementia.
Hopefully, that makes you feel better the next time you think your momnesia is a sign of something more serious.