Discussion » Statements » Rosie's Corner » It's a very weird realization that is sometimes scary. I remember vividly things that happened when I was 3. But an hour ago?
RosieG

It's a very weird realization that is sometimes scary. I remember vividly things that happened when I was 3. But an hour ago?

We have a morning routine when we get up. Every day it's the same. No change. Specifics are irrelevant. But sometimes I can't remember if I did or didn't do shortly ago. Am I on automatic? Do I perform by rote and my mind is elsewhere? It is very peculiar but it keeps happening. Is it simply a function of getting older or something else? The long-ago memories never fade. But where did I put my keys? Did we shut the garage door?  You too?

Posted - January 31, 2019
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  • 3719
    Oh yes. We all seem to lose short-term memory as we age, but often we forget small details because we are busy thinking about the overall thing, or even things not immediately connected with the subject of the lapse.


    Some years ago I wanted to perform a tricky arithmetical calculation, something to do with one of my hobbies.

    Could I find my calculator? NO!

    Computer? No - this was before I owned a computer, or come to that a portable phone with calculator function, though that may not have been sufficient anyway.

    Right... slide-rule. Could I remember how to use it, years after I last had? YES. Remember where it was? NO.

    Oh well, out with the logarithm tables. I had not used them for years but could remember the basics, needing only to revise them from an example in the book.

    Next day I bought a new scientific calculator.

    Three weeks later I opened a drawer while looking for something else.... No-one else in the house but I am sure I had never put the first calculator in there!


      January 31, 2019 11:45 AM MST
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  • 113301
    So this is just standard human reality and ubiquitous? If you are a human it has or will happen to you too? It puzzles me how the brain seems to take and hold extremely sharp vivid pictures of so long ago which it would seem would be much harder to remember than yesterday or two hours ago. Get used to it? There is no antidote or preventive cure? No inoculation against it? Oy vey! Thank you for your thoughtful and informative "first-person" experience Durdle. I appreciate it. While your experience doesn't mitigate mine at least I know I 'm not alone in that boat! Happy Friday m'dear1  :)
      February 1, 2019 1:48 AM MST
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  • My long term memory is quite amazing in comparison to my short term sometimes. I often worry, because my Grandmother suffered from dementia, my dad had Alzheimer's and dementia, and although I am "only" 55, everyday is a gift, and I try not to over worry.   My mom is 76 years old, and I notice sometimes her memory is not great, but she doesn't have dementia or any other health concern.  I suppose it is easy for me to tell you to not worry, it will happen to most of us, but that's all I've got.  :(
      January 31, 2019 11:50 AM MST
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  • 3719
    I can understand such worries, because of two friends of mine of similar age to me (mid-60s), one has Multiple Sclerosis, the other, Alzheimer's Syndrome.

    The MS sufferer is still able to walk with difficulty, and even drive her Landrover Discovery, helped by it having automatic transmission.  
      January 31, 2019 4:09 PM MST
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  • OH, that is good for your friend who suffers from MS.   My great aunt had it, and she lived to be 92. 
      January 31, 2019 4:14 PM MST
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  • 3719
    Thank you - I know MS can become stable for very long periods, and my friend doesn't seem to be worse now that she was about a year ago, so we can hope. 
      January 31, 2019 4:17 PM MST
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  • That's great!   My cousin is a neuro nurse ( I don't know the formal title), and she said modern medicine has come a long way, making MS much easier to maintain.    Thank goodness for modern medicine, and the scientists who devote their lives to research! This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at February 1, 2019 1:53 AM MST
      January 31, 2019 4:19 PM MST
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  • 113301
    :):):)
      February 1, 2019 1:53 AM MST
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  • 113301
    :):):)
      February 1, 2019 1:53 AM MST
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  • 113301
    I very much appreciate your sharing your experience and thoughts with us lavender. I m 81 as you probably already know and I seem to notice it more now. When I was 55 I don't recall ever thinking about it or even being aware of it. It just seems so illogical that we remember the very long ago in vivid detail that doesn't  seem to ever fade and yet right now or two hours ago or yesterday some things seem kinda hazy and iffy. I  guess that's just part of being a human being. It doesn't make sense to me though. Thank you m'dear and Happy Friday to thee!   :)
      February 1, 2019 1:52 AM MST
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