phobia of forgetting

The phobia of forgetting, often called memophobia, is an intense fear of losing memories or not being able to recall important information. It stems from anxiety about cognitive decline, forgetfulness, or the potential negative impacts of forgetting loved ones, important details, or experiences. This fear can cause significant distress and may lead individuals to excessively rehearse memories, avoid situations they associate with forgetfulness, or experience worry about losing their mental sharpness. While wanting to remember is natural, in memophobia, the fear becomes overwhelming, affecting daily life and emotional well-being.