Hi there,

I'm 27 years old and I've had memory problems for a few years now. I can't pinpoint when it began but I think it was approximately around 5/6 years ago when it started getting bad.
I used to drink a hell of a lot and take drugs (amphetamine and ecstasy) from the age of 18-22ish) it was usually at least once a week I would drink very heavily and take drugs, then I stopped taking drugs and just drank once or twice a week until I was around 24. I've been on a few binges with friends since then, but now I only drink once a month-ish and have tried to pace myself when I do. The reason I am telling you this is because I'm not sure whether these things would have anything to do with my bad memory these days or not?
I often feel very confused, forget things said to me a minute a go, don't remember programmes I've watched from time to time.. basically, my short term memory is very bad. My long term memory is a bit better but it seems to be getting worse. Its really embarrassing when people ask 'do you remember... ' And I don't have any idea what they are talking about.
Does anyone else have this kind of problem? What should I do?
Thanks.

From what you describe of your drug ingestion, drinking, I am not surprised that you are having difficulties. Perhaps you have lost some brain cells from this, would be my closest guess.

Long term memory in dementia seniors, or alzheimer seniors seem to be better with long term. It is the short term memory they have trouble with.

Yes, what you have done to your body has a lot to do with your memory issues.

Can I think of any way go correct this? No, once you loose brain cells, then that's it, you can't get them back.

Thank you for your response, appreciated. :) past always comes back to haunt you, guess I'll have to start carrying around a note book to help.

A chronic drinker may develop Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, a condition characterized by atrophy or shrinking of the thalamus and hypothalamus and the inability to recall or form memories. This syndrome isn't a direct effect of drinking, but rather a secondary result of alcohol abuse so severe that absorption of vitamin B-1 is prevented, leaving the brain malnourished. (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

I'd quit drinking entirely, if I were you.

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Originally Posted by clafairey

Thank you for your response, appreciated. :) past always comes back to haunt you, guess I'll have to start carrying around a note book to help.

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No, invest in an IPad :) good luck, just stay off the stuff.

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Originally Posted by tickle

No, invest in an IPad :) good luck, just stay off the stuff.

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Lol thanks. I will think about it. :)

I am like this too, and I have had issues with alcohol abuse. I also took a massive OD two years ago, since then I get confused... yesturday I couldn't remember what honey was... today I couldn't get words out, and I have to write everything down. It takes some getting used to but now I mainly laugh at myself especially when I say something stupid like "how do you decalfisise this coffee machine@ instead of decalcify!!