Memory Problems

[Audrey_M]

I've read people mentioning memory problems, but have not seen one type of memory problem discussed.

Do any of you have problems where your memory does not store information? There are numerous occasions when I have absolutely no recall of conversations. This happened several weeks ago when my son called me at work. He told me that the grill was corroded at the bottom. I have no recall of this whatsoever, but his girlfriend was sitting next to him and vouches for him. When we talked about this later, he asked me what I did during my last hour at work. I know that I did something very productive, but I cannot recall what it was. I say that because it was a Friday afternoon and I was the only one in the office and it's so tempting to just blow out of the place, but I was pleasantly surprised when I looked at the clock and saw that it was almost time to go home.

It's not that I've forgotten, the information is just not there for recall.

While I have been weak on remembering names for quite some time now (even with repeating the name upon introduction), I have noticed that I don't remember faces. Is this something uncommon?

My memory used to be sharp as a tack. I'm now in my mid 50's and have had to start using coping skills to compensate for a memory that is not so strong.

What kind of strategies can one use to help ensure things do get stored into memory?

[sllowe]

bump

[Nancy T]

Yep. Examples:

I spent two hours training a new volunteer at work. The next week, she came in and I just glanced at her and didn't say hi. Her face looked familiar, but I assumed she was just some substitute worker from another branch library. When I finally remembered half a minute later, I said, "Hi Melissa!" Her name is Angela.

Also at work one day, I made some derogatory comment about men while kind of gossiping with female co-workers (which I shouldn't have). A few minutes later a male co-worker who'd been present (but off in a corner) told me he was offended, even though the comment was in no way directed at him. I acknowledged my slip-up, but for the life of me could not (and still cannot) remember even vaguely what I said, except I know it was something derogatory.

Most often, I'll have a very vague memory of a conversation or event (when someone reminds me about it) but will have no idea what anyone actually said, or even the real gist of the conversation, even though it took place just minutes earlier. All I can remember is the topic.

I do know that middle-aged women are notorious for memory problems. Every woman "of a certain age" that I know complains of this. So I'm not sure that my memory problems--although they are at least noticeably worse than average--are outside the full range of "normal."

I do believe that my problems with memory (and processing speed, attention, and problem-solving or analysis) are partly related to my unexplained low-level, constant dizzy-wooziness of more than twenty years' duration. Dizziness makes for brain fog. Strattera helps considerably.

I am 53 and not diagnosed with anything.

I'm starting to fear I'll end up like my mom. She's 80 and has so little short-term memory that she can no longer make decisions, read anything more than a short joke, remember what city her children live in, remember that she asked a question 30 seconds ago, etc. They say it's not Alzheimer's but don't know the cause. It's rather shocking and scary to see how short-term memory deficits can make a person so dependent and disabled (not to mention the awful effect on personal relationships).

My two main strategies are WRITING EVERYTHING DOWN, trying to make and maintain a good filing system for information I'll need later, and repeating or reviewing things to myself as soon as they've happened. Saying things out loud to myself (sometimes several times) helps, as the auditory memory seems to strengthen the formation of a memory (that's just my personal observation, not necessarily a scientific fact).

[tonyad]

     Certainly "Count Me In Too"!  Mine is also to the extent (sp) that I do not recall
what I have said or wrote, or talking to somene. I also have the problem of not recalling a conversation but trying to respond and I make no sense to the conversation being said.....I can't explain it but I soooo know what you mean!

      In fact I even Private Messaged someone here on this Forum because of not recalling info or feeling like I made no sense (am I spelling that right?) when talking w/ someone. i just wanted her input on this as I needed to talk to someone about it.

     So, with that being said, I am glad that you posted this.
Take Care and Thanks for making me feel like I am NOT crazy after all!

~Tonya

[Audrey_M]

I noticed that you say you can't recite it or say it word for word. For me it goes beyond that, because I have no recall whatsoever of what was said. I do remember talking to my son on the phone, but beyond that, I can't tell you a single thing that we discussed. Scary!

Like Mar sadi, it is incredibly embarrassing to have met a person more than once and not recognize their face. This has happened to me on numerous occasions with people who were connected to important people in my personal or professional life.

I would love to hear more people weigh in on this one. Even if you tell me I'm nuts (my middle name is not squirrel)!

[sllowe]

Oh yea, count me in with the recalless folks. Mine can be immediately after I've heard it. Just can't recite it, or remember word for word. It's horrible and does affect my life. I wish it were only the case of "too much going in" but I know for sure it's not in some instances.

I've found out that if I listen differently that sometimes helps. So, for example, if it's a face-to-face conversation and I'll need to remember the details, I may look down or to the side and listen carefully, (unfortunately I miss out on all important eye contact doing this). But, I weigh it out, and if I can do that w/out disrespect, I do.

It's weird, but it works sometimes.

Who else? This is an important topic. Thanks for bringing it up Audrey!
-Shell

[MarisaV]

I've not been diagnosed with anything, so I don't know if my experience is relevant, but I have similar issues.

When I was young I had a near photographic memory and was a walking encyclopaedia of facts (one of those annoying know-it-all geek-teenagers).

Then in my late twenty's I started having memory problems. I can literally have a conversation with someone (paying very close attention), leave the room, and forget everything.

People at work used to think I was stuck up, because I wouldn't greet them in the hall... truth was, if it was someone I'd just met, I wouldn't remember their face. If they called on the phone (and that's the only way I'd every met them), I'd recognize them immediately by their voice.

Had a Colonoscopy recently, when the Dr. walked in the room and started taking to me, I had no idea who she was I'd met her twice before. She recognized my blank look, and re-introduced herself.

With me, this waxes and wanes with my other symptoms, but I've not been the same since my first problem occurred.

So, I can't speak for someone with MS, but I can say that you are not alone.

Take care.

Mar