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Sudden short-term memory loss

Posted , 3 users are following.

jo25869
jo25869

My brother-in-law is an active 75 year-old.  He developed a Nast chest infection ten days ago and around the same time he suddenly started having problems with his short-term memory - ie asking my sister the same thing two or three times, not being able to operate their (new) BT Vision box and confused about what day it is.  Everything else is normal - he's gardening, reading the newspaper etc.  I've seen on the Internet that this can be caused by a chest or water infection - I was aware of the water infection but not other infections, so was cheered to see this.

Does anyone else have experience of this?  And if so, how long is this likely to persist?  My poor sister is beside herself with worry.  

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • jo25869
    jo25869

    Posted

    Sorry - PS from Jo25869 That should have said nasty chest infection.  Predictive text! 
  • georgeGG
    georgeGG jo25869

    Posted

    (No problem I seem to have predictive reading )

    My wife (73) had this about two months ago. Asked the same question four times in about five minute and was answered each time. Also around that time had a failure to recall any of the events of the day. Recall started after about two hours and was complete in ten.she has had headaches and migraines for decades.

    We did not think to conider any infections.

    The latter was diagnosed as Temporary Global Amnesia (TGA). Repitition is very rare.

    • jo25869
      jo25869 georgeGG

      Posted

      It seems that your wife's symptoms only lasted minutes, whereas my brother in law has has this for a week or so since the chest infection took a hold. He's been on antibiotics since Friday. I will look up global amnesia - it would be good to give my sister something to hold on to - they went to the doctor about it on Friday and that's when the infection was diagnosed (they thought it was just a cough). The doctor said to go back this coming Friday .

    • mrsmop
      mrsmop jo25869

      Posted

      I'm glad to read that your brother in law's doctor seems to be keeping on top of things.

       

    • jo25869
      jo25869 mrsmop

      Posted

      I've had an email to say you have sent a reply, but it cannot be displayed unfortunately. 
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