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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Are You Finding It Harder To Remember Things?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Seattle, WA

In the past year or so I have noticed I'm getting very forgetful. And easily distracted. I know HIV can cause memory loss. And of course the meds, and age. Only one of those could make one forgetful. Memories of the past are sharp way back, but foggier approaching the present. I took a memory test once about 10 years ago and didn't do so hot. I'm feeling I need to take a memory test again because this is really affecting my life and confidence.

Anyone else feeling more forgetful these… read more

October 5, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members deeply resonated with a question about increasing forgetfulness, with many sharing that they struggle with short-term memory issues... Read more

Members deeply resonated with a question about increasing forgetfulness, with many sharing that they struggle with short-term memory issues like forgetting names, misplacing items, or losing their train of thought mid-sentence, while long-term childhood memories remain vivid. Several members discussed practical strategies that have helped, including writing things down, using phone alarms and reminders, creating word associations, taking low-dose Donepezil (with medical guidance), and simply giving themselves grace by joking about it rather than letting frustration take over. A recurring theme was uncertainty about whether memory loss stems from HIV itself, early medication regimens, aging, stress, or a combination of all these factors, with many members planning to discuss their concerns with their doctors and finding comfort in knowing they are not alone in this experience.

A myHIVteam Member

Hope everyone is having a good day.. this memory problem.. may also be caused by liver problems.. hang in there.. I go threw it everyday.. it's hard.

October 8, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

I find as I use my mind and the tools to remember, like association, that I'm making it through, surely not as good as my memory once was. I am really challenged with names, I keep a pen and pad with me always, to write down anything I care to remember and try to put down an association, event with the note, to trigger the correct memory! Tools verse just remembering bothered me, but I am learning to live with it, like using numb hands and legs, perfect practice makes it okay again for me! Pastor David Bast

October 6, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

My Dr told me that since I was on one of the 1st cocktails for over 10 years that it did help keep me alive but did other damage. One being my memory. He said it will only get worse, another is muscle mass and fatty deposits. But you just keep chugging along.

October 6, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

I was having problems with short term memory and most of the tests came back normal..but the neurologist put me on a low dose of Donepezil and it seems to have helped...still have problems sometimes...nothing major so far. Hugs & Love! John

October 6, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

My memory is terrible I forget simple things like people names. The bad part of it is that these are people that I have known for years sometimes I just draw a blank. To me it's just a annoyance I have gotten use to it but if it's becoming a real problem talk to your doctor. It maybe your medication. Just remember the meds are poisons they will do weird things to you. To me I just chalk it up to stress, age and I think that I may be a little ADHD. Good luck to you I hope that you find the answers that you need.

October 6, 2019

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