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Let's Get Physical 2
One of the other things I spoke to my doctor about during my physical was my memory..or lack thereof.I'm jealous of guys who can repeat word for word a scene in a movie..or TV show..("Remember that Seinfeld?)"or remember a funny time that happened in college like it was yesterday..the weather, the people there, what they were wearing, where they were..all the details. Me? I can't remember what I ate for breakfast (and it's only 9:00 am)!
I do think part of my memory problems have to do with me not caring. You know, my wife saying "I told you we had this appointment yesterday, don't you remember?" Of course I don't ..it's called selective hearing. Or people introducing themselves and me forgetting their names....
But, there are other times when I get frustrated..almost scared that I cant remember someone..or something. It's more than mixing up my kids names - calling one the others name (I think everyone does that)..it's like..people I know..for years..and sometimes, the name just escapes me..or not remembering where I parked the car at the mall..or which way I came from when I walk out onto the city street so I can head back to the subway. Sometimes, I walk out, look left, look right..and I'm downright scared that things just don't look familiar to me.
Sometimes, someone asks me specifics about something (Not work, work seems to be fine memory-wise). They ask for directions (I cant remember street names) or I'm at a party..and I'm talking to someone about an actor..and couldn't remember his name.."You know..that guy..the guy with the big deep voice..the black guy..god, it's on the tip of my tongue..Star Wars..- YES! that's it..thanks..James Earl Jones!"
Is that normal? Normal for a 48 year old to be a little forgetful? My doctor, who is a few years older than me says he doesn't have any issues with his memory, that even though he's older..he hasn't noticed a change. That the fact that I've noticed..makes it something worth looking into.
He gave me the name of a neurologist..I don't know if I'll call. It's almost..almost scarier to know than not. Anyway, I can't even remember where I put the number... ;)
7 comments:
I'm exactly the same way, and I think all it is, is that we only remember the things that are true priorities. All the other things we tend to forget are either not important at the moment, or as we're given the info, we discount it completely because we know it's something that doesn't matter at all. A stranger's name, who a certain actor is, the name of a movie--these things are all fluff that really doesn't matter; and so it goes. Why bother remembering? We have enough to remember!
Read between the lines. Your doctor isn't concerned, why should you be? [Just because he feels that he personally hasn't any memory issues, doesn't mean that he retains all the fluff that's thrown his way.] It's a long way down the road before you need a neurologist; chill out. The other thing to remember is that your a busy, BUSY guy. A bit stressed with all the juggling, both personal and professional that you do. Think about it.
I think Bob is mostly correct. We remember what we focus on and some of it has to do with training the mind to remember.
I used to be horrific at remembering names. I'd meet someone. He'd tell me his name and it would go right in one ear and out the other. That made me worried when I got a job many years ago that involved remembering a lot of kids names- many of which changed daily.
It didn't take long for me to train my mind to remember out of necessity. After just a few days I remembered names of kids I'd just met (and remember many of the names to this day).
It just takes discipline and practice to remember sometimes.
What if you were to assume there is something wrong with your memory? What can be done about it? Surgery? No, at most he'll prescribe some time of medication that might help (and probably has a slew of bad side-effects.) IF you even have a problem it's clearly not severe. Most likely, the doctor will suggest an OTC treatment. Fish oil, I believe, is supposed to boost your memory.
I suggest skipping the neurologist and instead do some research on your own. Find the a treatment that you like and give it a try. If you still feel like you have an issue you can always make an appointment with the neurologist in the future.
Another thing. If you're worried you'll have Alzheimer's in 30 years, don't panic. The drug companies are spending hundreds of millions every year on R & D. There might not be a cure but undoubtedly the treatment options will be much better in 30 years than they are now.
It could be nothing, but I think you should get it checked out.
BLM,
If your physician, after speaking with you, felt you should see a neurologist I would follow his advice. There are things other than Alzheimers Disease than can cause memory problems like small vessel disease. Some of these conditions can indeed be treated or the progression slowed.
This may be normal forgetfulness attributable to being distracted,etc but the only way to know for sure is to get it evaluated. Don't be foolish and allow a potentially treatable condition go undetected. That can have disasterous consequences.
See, I'm not ALWAYS a bitch.
Happy New Years,
Bev
Do you drink ? I have the same problem and I think alcohol consumption definitely contributes to brain function. I used to drink everyday, not a lot but enough to numb myself. I try now to have 3-4 alcohol free days a week and I notice a considerable improvement in my brain function. My memory is still shot. I also smoke a lot of weed when I was young and I am not sure this was such a great idea either.
You do a great job of working your muscles to keep them strong. Well, the brain is like a muscle. It needs exercise in order to function optimally.
Specifically on names, the best way to work a new name into your permanent memory bank is to use it right away. Try introducing the new person to at least three other people. Your saying the name is a much more powerful path to locking it in than merely hearing it.
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