pycharm freezes for good when running and R script---R v4.3.1 on pycharm-2023.3.5 (community edition)

I am running an R script merging datasets from different sources. After running for about 15 minutes, it freezes for good. I had to use the task manager to end the programme. This behaviour started after the latest 2023 update to the 2023.3.5 version.

I have allocated memory space (32 GB RAM) for my projects on Pycharm. During the R session, the max memory used is between 8 to 17 GB RAM of allocated memory. My laptop's total memory is 64 GB RAM.

Before the update, this issue never existed. I was able to run multiple R scripts simultaneously.

I really need it to stop hanging. What can I do, please?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Davidmac