My mother will be turning 50 this year and I know it is rare for women her age to develope dimentia. But I have noticed a steady increase in her short term memory loss. She has high cholesterol and type II diabetes along with other chemical imbalances due to her lifelong cigarette addiction and long term class II obesity. My question is: is this dimentia and how should I approach her about getting this checked out? Thanks

Has there been a complete physical that could rule out other disorders/diseases for your mother? My husband has memory loss related to his sleep apnea. There could be so many other causes. Talk with her doctors if possible and research this devastating disorder.

it could also be anxiety caused by her ailments this does your memory too http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif

The first thing you have to do is look at the meds. your mom is taking for her high cholestrol. If she is taking any of the statin drugs that could be the cause.
Drugs like LIPITOR could cause memory loss even mental blackouts. If you ask her Dr. they will not have a clue that is the cholestrol drug doing it.

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 11-10-2002).]