OpenHealth Q&A

Experiencing a Complete Memory Lapse – Seeking Guidance

Hello, everyone. I've recently joined Reddit specifically to share my concerns, as I'm feeling quite overwhelmed by a situation. Please excuse any language errors since I'm a native French speaker. To summarize my situation, my father, who is 56, has been experiencing memory lapses for a couple of years now. It's generally minor things, like skipping conversations when he's preoccupied or forgetting appointments if they aren't written down. His focus seems to wane, especially if he's engaged in something else. For example, when he's using his phone or watching television, he often doesn't respond to my questions. His attention can be easily diverted during discussions. It's hard for me to witness his frustration regarding these memory issues, which naturally causes me concern. Despite this, he manages to remember to take his cholesterol medication daily without reminders, although his cholesterol levels are just slightly elevated. Interestingly, I observed him reconnect with someone he hadn't seen in many years; he recognized them instantly and recalled their name as well as various soccer scores from that day without any assistance. However, on Sunday, he expressed a troubling concern—he had no recollection of two full hours from Saturday. This severely unsettled him. I was present during that period and can vouch for his normal behavior; he engaged with his grandson, discussed our lunch, and even solved a Rubik's Cube. Although he had a few drinks, it was nothing excessive, and he doesn't smoke or engage in heavy drinking on weekends. The fact that he can't remember any of these interactions is alarming to me, even if I try to mask my own anxiety to keep him calm. There’s also the pressure from his job; he’s been feeling overwhelmed and contemplated quitting after nearly 30 years with the same company. Although he decided against quitting since he’s nearing retirement, his work-related stress has affected his sleep and caused him to skip meals due to his workload. This leads me to wonder if his recent memory and concentration issues could be stress-related. Since the memory blackout incident, I’ve been researching potential explanations, which range widely—from epilepsy to transient global amnesia, or even strokes. The thought of any serious condition is terrifying, and I can’t shake my worries, especially since it's unusual to forget two hours completely. He does have an appointment scheduled with his general practitioner on Monday, but I’m not particularly confident in their responsiveness; I often have to push several times before they take action regarding my health concerns. Since Sunday, I’ve been anxious, hoping we won’t have to wait too long for answers regarding his condition. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has experienced similar memory lapses. If so, what turned out to be the underlying cause? Thank you for your help.

Answers (1)

2/4/2026, 9:50:44 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandably concerning to witness your father's memory lapses, especially with the recent experience of forgetting two hours of interaction. Memory issues can stem from various factors, and it's wise to investigate them to ensure his well-being.

Explanation:

From what you've described, your father's memory problems could relate to several factors, such as stress, fatigue, or potential underlying medical conditions. It's not uncommon for stress and overwhelming workloads to impact cognitive functions like memory and focus. The complete memory blackout, however, is more concerning and could suggest a need for further evaluation to rule out neurological conditions.

Some potential causes include:

• Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress can lead to memory issues and difficulty concentrating.
• Sleep Disturbances: Lack of sleep affects brain function, including memory.
• Alcohol Impact: While he had only a few drinks, alcohol can sometimes cause temporary memory lapses, especially if combined with stress or exhaustion.
• Neurological Conditions: It's crucial to investigate conditions like transient global amnesia, which involves sudden memory loss, or even signs of early dementia—but these would need proper evaluation.

Next Steps:

1. Prepare for the Doctor's Appointment:

   • Make a list of his symptoms, including the memory lapse incident, any relevant changes in his daily life (like sleep patterns), and stress factors at work.
   • Discuss these observations openly during his appointment to ensure they are addressed.

2. Support Stress Management:

   • Encourage your father to find ways to reduce stress, such as participating in relaxing activities, exercise, or hobbies that he enjoys.
   • Promote a consistent sleep schedule to improve his overall rest.

3. Monitor and Document Changes:

   • Keep a daily journal noting any further memory issues or fluctuations in mood and behavior. This can help identify patterns and should be shared with his doctor.

4. Stay Involved:

   • Attend the doctor’s appointment if possible, as your observations can provide critical context to the physician about his day-to-day functioning and any concerning behaviors you've noticed.

5. Encouragement and Communication:

   • Keep the lines of communication open with your father. Encourage him to express any concerns about his memory without self-judgment. Your support will be vital as he navigates these changes.

It's heartening that he has an upcoming appointment; finding answers is the most crucial step. It’s natural to feel anxious, but being proactive and supportive can make a significant difference in how you both cope with this situation. Let me know if you have further questions or concerns.