Cycles of Memory Loss?

You should be talking to your doctor asap.

There are may reasons for memory loss. A TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), Medication reaction, CVA (Cerebro-vascular Accident AKA Stroke), TIA (same as stroke but less severe.), finally a traumatic emotional event. The mind is an amazing thing and we still have very little understanding as to how it works. Not knowing your medical history I can not assume one cause or another. So hence I suggest that you seek medical attention by either your family physician. If not go to your local Emergency Department. They are open 24/7 and staffed with Emergency Physicians who will be able to appropriately diagnose and treat any issues that arise. Unfortunately, with the way you have described the loss of both short and long term memories I am leaning towards a TIA. In this case you should not drive yourself to the ER. Instead you should dial 911 and request to be taken to the nearest stroke center. I hope you fare well. Take care.

common causes of memory problems are medications (sleeping pills and anti-anxiety pills being big culprits), mental illnesses (depression or mania), stress and lack of sleep. sometimes people go thru periods where they are really multitasking, and overwhelming their brains. How bad is it? I have bipolar, and I have gotten lost driving to my local town to shop, after living here for years. I forget entire vacations. etc. etc. You are probably within the normal range for memory problems, but if you are putting the celery in the junk drawer, or getting lost going to work, then something is wrong. I don't know what you can do about it though - I just put up with it and try to be very organized, to make up for it.