Losing my memory.

[notfarnow]

I have a terrible memory, and noticed it affecting my day-to-day life when I was about 18-19. Very similar stuff to what you describe... forgetting names, appointments, where things are, etc. I went to a neurologist when I was 20 or so, and we did some testing and found that I did have an abnormally poor memory for my age, but he said I shouldn't be too concerned with it unless I feel it degrading.

Since then, I have put a lot of effort into working with + around my memory issues. Some things I have found over the past 15 years or so:
- a lot of it has to do with being distracted/disorganized. When I'm busy, in a rush, in a "flap" at work, I am much more likely to be forgetful. And this doesn't mean I am forgetting things that are immediately relevant... sometimes I will forget things like my postal code (zip), close friends/family names, etc.
- on the flip side, being organized hase a big impact. Every day I take 30-40 minutes just to get organized and create my to-do list and plan my day. If I start my day like that, and thoughtfully plan it out, I am not as likely to get sidetracked
- I find memory exercises very helpful. For example, if I am going to the hardware store for 5 things, I check the list before I go in and then try to remember all 5 without checking. May seem odd to you guys, but it's a real accomplishment if I manage to remember all 5.
- meditating *really* helps, more than anything else I have tried. No yoga chanting stuff, but I have some very good tapes that I listen to regularly and they are a fantastic aide, especially when I am busy and prone to being distracted

NAMES: I *need* to remember names in my business, and this has been a HUGE challenge. Someone gave me this trick, and it works . When I am introduced to someone, I always repeat their name out loud, "Hi May/Todd..." and then IMMEDIATELY associate them with someone else I know with the same name, and quickly visualize THAT person standing next to them. Works great. I can tell you the name of the carpenter who I met for 2mins when doing a house inspection last week. Danny, same name as the mechanic who works on my FIL's truck.

Anyway, hope some of this helps. I have bouts where my memory is worse than other times, it can be a real handicap and sometimes a bit frightening. I find I'm OK as long as I put the effort into managing it... not unlike a bad back.

good luck!

[notfarnow]

Question: have you had any major changes recently? new job, house, family coming/going, sleep pattern changes, etc? I find that if I have any of these, I am rendered almost useless.

[Crowbob]

The mechanism of memory is truly mysterious. I sustained a concussion in High School from which I experienced retrograde amnesia. The entire three days prior to the injury was and still is lost. No recollection whatsoever. Certain parts of the brain are responsible for very specific memories, such as names or faces. Our father could not recall our names occasionally but he demonstrated a truly remarkable ability to recall faces and put them in context. A very interesting read is a book of case studies on brain-injured people: "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat".

[widebody911]

I had two 16Gb DIMMs, but I can't remember where I put them.

[legion]

Are you John G.?

[M.D. Holloway]

Well, I will tell you for sure. When you get older you do get older. If anyone ever tries to tell you different they surely will. If I have seen it once I have seen it a millions times. I do recall (which means I still have my means) that when the brain matures it works a certain way which in large part is different than it worked previously. Now I'm not gonna say that it won't work as good or that it works better or even any different for that matter just that it works sometimes and other times it does so as well. Just keep on keeping on and I'm sure that someday it will all catch up to itself. You can try eating what you think might help but at the end of the day eating what you will can only help an empty stomach.

Ain't nothing I'm telling that the wind won't blow your way or the thistle won't shed. Just remember.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by notfarnow

Question: have you had any major changes recently? new job, house, family coming/going, sleep pattern changes, etc? I find that if I have any of these, I am rendered almost useless.

I got kicked in the head by a horse a month or so ago. I can't rememer exactly when, but I don't think this has anything to do with memory loss or spe.. spee.. speec... speech impediment (dumb joke).


Thanks for the ideas, but no, no changes in my life. I might talk to a naturopath in case I'm lacking in zinc, iron, selenium or something like that.

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

...I might talk to a naturopath in case I'm lacking in zinc, iron, selenium or something like that.

I talked to a naturopath once.

When I finished talking, I wasn't lacking in zinc, iron, selenium or something like that.

It was amazing.

I never talked to a naturopath twice though.

I don't think.

I forget.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by DARISC

I talked to a naturopath once.

When I finished talking, I wasn't lacking in zinc, iron, selenium or something like that.

It was amazing.

I never talked to a naturopath twice though.

I don't think.

I forget.

Thanks, I'm feeling better already

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Thanks, I'm feeling better already

About...?

[legion]

My father got this way (though much more severe) when he was overdosing on Lithium.

We've already covered any medication issues (none), but it could also be caused by a chemical imbalance not caused by medication or stress. You might benefit from seeing a doctor and having some tests run. Be firm though, I could easily see a doctor blowing this off.

[Bill Douglas]

Thanks, I'll do that.

If I was a Porsche, I'd check for a bad ground/earth somewhere, then check for a fuel supply problem.