Anyone else experiencing short term memory loss ?

[Joyful]

Hi again, everyone. I've been wondering if extended use of Depakote causes short term memory loss. I'm 44, and recently I've noticed that I'd forget something I just said or did. Or I'll remember something I did yesterday and think that I just did it a few minutes ago! Is getting kind of scarey!
I have resorted to leaving sticky notes all over the house for myself just as reminders.
The forgetfulness isn't what bothers me as much as my remembering what I did a day ago & thinking it was just a few min. ago. weird!
Am I alone in this ?
Could the meds. I'm taking be affecting me this way ?
-Depakote
-Dilantin
onder:

 

[Cint]

You are NOT alone in memory loss along with E. Short term memory loss does go along with epilepsy. It can be due to the meds or it could be from the effects of seizures over the years, depending on where in the brain the seizures originate. Click on this link to learn more:
http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/impact/thinking-and-memory/types-memory-problems

 

[Joyful]

Thank you so much - I have felt alone in this reguard. In addition to memory loss, I also have a difficult time expressing myself verbally. I don't mean that there is a handicap of any kind, it's just that many times I have difficulty in thinking of the right words to say. Not always, but it has increased over the years, along w/ the memory problems.
I've noticed how when I'm speaking many times the person I'm speaking to often seems to be straining to understand me. I never understood why. I don't have a speech impediment or anything. (please, I hope noone takes offense - I'm just reffering to myself)
Well, just thought I'd share a bit about me!

Thanks for the site - it helps!

 

[KathyJJ]

No, you're not alone at all. I also have short term memory loss and have had it for some time. I have also read that this goes with epilepsy. I know when it first started with me, it scared me to death. That's when I learned it goes with epilepsy.

 

[Cint]

I also have a difficult time expressing myself verbally. I don't mean that there is a handicap of any kind, it's just that many times I have difficulty in thinking of the right words to say. Not always, but it has increased over the years, along w/ the memory problems.
I've noticed how when I'm speaking many times the person I'm speaking to often seems to be straining to understand me. I never understood why. I don't have a speech impediment or anything. (please, I hope noone takes offense - I'm just reffering to myself)

I don't think you have offended anyone here on CWE as many do suffer from aphasia, difficulty in finding the right words. For some who've had brain surgery (like myself) it can be a bit worse, but if you've suffered from seizures for many years also, it also effects speech/memory. Plus I have a damaged hippocampus, which does effect memory, speech.

I have a difficult time remembering names, places, cannot think of the correct word(s) when trying to explain something. It's all related to E.

http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/impact/thinking-and-memory/thinking-memory-and-epilepsy

 

[Joyful]

Thanks to everyone, and thank you, Cint, for this helpful info.
The odd thing is that I have an excellent long-term memory. (I can remember things from when I was TWO) But when it comes to remembering something that just happened or something I just said or did - well, put it this way...my son likes to refer to me as Dorie ! (the fish from Nemo)

Thanks all!

 

[George__]

Yes

 

[valeriedl]

I have very bad short term and long term memory loss.

My family gets so mad because I'll tell them the same stories over and over or keep asking them the same questions. It took me about three years to finally remember that President Regan had died. They do understand it comes with epilepsy so they know I'm not doing it on purpose.

You should see all the sticky notes and pieces of paper taped all over the place. I don't think you'd know what color my walls actually are! :roflmao:

I have trouble remembering words very bad. I'll start to say about three words before I get the right one out. I'll be wanting to say what something is and I'll be staring at it but just can't think what it's called. Finally I have to describe it - like the really cold thing that food is kept in - the freezer.

 

[Joyful]

That's good that your family understands that the memory loss has to do with epilepsy. I don't think my husband and son are aware of this. Don't misunderstand, they are great about eveything, but I don't think they realize that the memory problems have anything to do w/ the fact that I have seizures. I didn't realize it myself.
I think if they hear it from my neurologist then maybe they would realize that it's from all of the seizures.