At least once a day, I walk into a room with a purpose, stop, stare at the wall blankly and ask myself, “Wait… what the hell did I come in here for?” Then I panic for 2.5 seconds.
Is this how it starts? The D word. Dementia. Brain Fog. Brain Mush.
And then there are those times when I look at my scooter and make sure I remember what all the buttons do. I would hate to be driving around, forget how to turn and end up at the bottom of a 200ft embankment.
That would be something I could see myself doing. Good times.
I’m always a little concerned about D and A (Alzheimer’s). Mom had it, Dad had it, Nonno had it. I mean, between my three sisters and me, I always feel that one of us is doomed, and it could be me.
Because of that, I’m hyper-aware times a million when I forget something or feel off.
And I’ve Googled — oh, how I’ve Googled. I need to know exactly what the signs are and if I’m well on my way to being spoon-fed mush, sitting in a diaper in a wheelchair, like my mom.
Or if what I’m experiencing is normal and I need to chill the fuck out.
I’m also really trying to stack the deck in my favour, health-wise. You know, eating right, cutting out sugar and shitty carbs, I quit smoking, I don’t drink alcohol, I exercise 5 days a week, I do brain games/exercises every night.
I know. I sound like a super exciting person to be around.
Does all that even make a difference? Who knows. But at least I’m trying.
Anyway, this is what Google had to say about my forgetfulness, and yours too, when we should worry and a fun little tip to keep dementia at bay.
10 Common Things We Forget Over 60 (or maybe even 50) and what to do about it
Here is a small list of 10 things we forget that are fairly common and not a sign of dementia. It’s good to get any lingering memory loss things checked, though.
If you feel worried or concerned, go see your doctor.
🟡Walking Into a Room and Forgetting Why
For me, this is usually followed by a “Fuck, what the hell did I come in here for again”? I hate this one, a lot.
Why it’s fine: Your brain’s just switching tasks too fast. From what to cook for dinner to I can’t believe she said that to my ______ is in the other room.
When to worry: If you forget what the room is for, like standing in the kitchen wondering what a stove does. This is no bueno.
What helps: As you walk to the room, repeat to yourself what you are going there for.
🟡Calling the Dog by Your Kid’s Name (Or Vice Versa)
While we never had a dog growing up, my mom used to be notorious for rhyming off all the names, trying to get to yours.
Why it’s fine: Your brain stores everyone under “People I take care of.” Mistakes happen. It’s cool. Don’t worry.
When to worry: If you consistently forget the names of close family or can’t recall relationships.
What helps: Pause, breathe, and give yourself a second before speaking. Look at the person you are talking to and say their name out loud.
🟡Losing Your Glasses While Wearing Them
This happens almost all the time. I’m constantly touching the top of my head to feel if my glasses are there.
Why it’s fine: Routine habits are literally mindless tasks we don’t even give a second thought to. It’s normal to forget things like this.
When to worry: If you can’t remember owning glasses or why you need them.
What helps: You can tell yourself your glasses are on your head/shirt/lanyard/etc.
🟡Forgetting Words Mid-Sentence
Is it just me or does this drive you bat-shit crazy? I hate that I forget words a lot more often these days.
Why it’s fine: Menopause, stress, not exercising your brain as much anymore, and multitasking can zap out the language control center of the brain.
When to worry: If you regularly forget common words or can’t finish sentences at all.
What helps: Slow down. Use humour. Bonus tip: learn to use the word ‘thingy’ a lot.
🟡Rewatching a Movie and Realizing You Remember Nothing
Ooph. The only movies I remember watching are the ones I’ve seen more than 10 times. Others? Nope, nudda, not a clue.
Why it’s fine: If you weren’t really into the movie, distracted, or tired the first time you saw it (or the last time), your brain didn’t store it.
When to worry: If this happens often or you’re convinced you’ve never seen this movie.
What helps: Try focused watching — phone down, no distractions. Really pay attention to who’s in it, some of your favourite scenes or lines in the movie.
🟡Leaving the House and Forgetting If You Locked the Door
All.the.friggin.time. And even when I go to bed, I’ll get up, go back downstairs and make sure I locked the door. This is a daily thing.
Why it’s fine: Routine tasks are usually on autopilot. It’s super normal to forget this.
When to worry: If you forget entirely how to lock the door.
What helps: Say it out loud or take a photo. “Look, I locked it. Pic for proof.”
🟡Losing Your Phone While It’s in Your Hand
Or while it’s literally sitting right in front of me on the table. I can’t tell you how many times a day this happens.
Why it’s fine: Muscle memory and habit. Phones feel like body parts now.
When to worry: If you frequently misplace objects and don’t recall having them at all.
What helps: Try to drop your phone (not literally) in the same spot all the time. Have a designated ‘phone zone’.
🟡Starting a Sentence and Forgetting What You Were Saying
Omg. This makes me crazy, too. And I’ve done this a few times while filming YouTube videos for my channel. AWK-ward!!!
But I get so wrapped up in one story and then another comes to mind and then another, and before you know it, I’ve forgotten what I was talking about in the first place.
Anyone else?
Why it’s fine: Mental tabs are open, distractions are everywhere, and midlife brain fog is a thing. When do we stop blaming everything on midlife, by the way?
When to worry: If it happens multiple times in the same convo and never comes back to you.
What helps: Stop, breathe and think about the conversation you are having. Nine times out of ten, someone else remembers, and that’s ok too!
🟡Putting the Milk in the Pantry and the Cereal in the Fridge
Once I found myself doing this, and I can’t remember (pardon that pun) what it was, but I remember opening up a drawer and thinking “Omg, did I put that there?”
Yes, girl, you sure did.
Why it’s fine: It’s a brain hiccup, not a big deal. Usually caused when we’re rushing around or distracted.
When to worry: If these kinds of swaps happen often and you don’t notice for hours, if at all.
What helps: Slow. Down. One task at a time. You’re not in a race. It helps to say out loud exactly what you’re doing. If you are putting the milk in the cupboard and say that out loud, you’ll stop yourself knowing that’s a bad idea.
🟡Wondering, “Did I Take My Pills/Vitamins Today?”
Can it be bad to take too many vitamins in one day? Asking for a friend. I don’t take daily medication, though I’d guess that taking too many of those daily might be bad.
Why it’s fine: Routine tasks blur — regular, small daily habits. You probably did—you just didn’t register it.
When to worry: If you’re regularly skipping meds or doubling up without realizing it.
What helps: A pill organizer will be your best friend, whether you want one or not. Make sure to load up all your pills for the week and put them where you can see them.
You’re ok, I’m ok, we’re ok…or are we?
Forgetfulness happens to everyone. Even a teenager. But if you feel it’s more than just normal forgetfulness, it could be time to check in with your healthcare provider.
It’s good to catch things early and find out what you can do to keep it at bay or even reverse the symptoms if you can!
Now, where the hell is my phone?
