Cognitive Decline and how to deal with it - advice??

[The-Cardfather]

I agree with all of the previous posts.

I'm 58, and my short-term memory is completely shot. I can tell you the (long since disconnected) telephone numbers of my numerous friends and relatives when I was 12 years old or the full names of people that I haven't had any contact with in 45+ years (including their siblings' names, parents' names, jobs, etc.). But don't ask me what happened a week ago, because I have no idea.

I've found that using the memo app on my smart phone is a great help for things to do (or things to remember).



Now to add a little levity to the conversation:

An elderly woman sends her elderly husband to the grocery store to pick up a quart of milk, a loaf of white bread and a dozen eggs.

When the husband returned home, the following conversation ensued.

WIFE: Did you go to the store?

HUSBAND: Yes.

WIFE: Did You remember what to get?

HUSBAND: Yes. I got a gallon of vanilla ice cream and some chocolate syrup.

WIFE: You idiot! You forgot the whipped cream!

[irishdenny]

Originally Posted by The Cardfather

I agree with all of the previous posts.

I'm 58, and my short-term memory is completely shot. I can tell you the (long since disconnected) telephone numbers of my numerous friends and relatives when I was 12 years old or the full names of people that I haven't had any contact with in 45+ years (including their siblings' names, parents' names, jobs, etc.). But don't ask me what happened a week ago, because I have no idea.

I've found that using the memo app on my smart phone is a great help for things to do (or things to remember).



Now to add a little levity to the conversation:

An elderly woman sends her elderly husband to the grocery store to pick up a quart of milk, a loaf of white bread and a dozen eggs.

When the husband returned home, the following conversation ensued.

WIFE: Did you go to the store?

HUSBAND: Yes.

WIFE: Did You remember what to get?

HUSBAND: Yes. I got a gallon of vanilla ice cream and some chocolate syrup.

WIFE: You idiot! You forgot the whipped cream!

Jus Beautiful Way of Life!!! (:

[Stampsfan]

Sorry to hear that. An earlier post referenced your hard disk being full. I truly believe that.

I am now 61, and feel healthy. About to retire, not by choice but it was forced on me and it's all OK. I am / was an IT professional. I could remember multiple tasks and jobs (I'm talking 10-12 concurrent things) on here I was and who was involved where, but in and around 40-45 years old I had to take on less tasks.

I forget things, but I also find there is much more information on my hard disk (or memory) that IMO things fall out. Coming back to sports, for many years I could name every league champion, MVP, players on multiple teams, etc. in all sports going back to my youth, and prior. Now I have trouble remembering who won what 2, 3, or 5 years ago. I think part of that is the older we get, the more playoffs and seasons we have watched and enjoyed, and at some point it becomes too much.

Up until I was about 20, I could remember each and every summer from my youth and what I was doing that summer. Eventually the summers of my adult life all seemed to run together. Even special trips, I struggle to tell you what year it was. I think it's because there are always more years to remember.

We need to better organize, and we need to consistently have everything in a certain place. Then it becomes habit.

I echo many of the earlier thoughts... take care of yourself and your own things. You cannot be everything to everyone.

Prayers and wishes to all.

[cubman1941]

Originally Posted by Stampsfan

Sorry to hear that. An earlier post referenced your hard disk being full. I truly believe that.

I am now 61, and feel healthy. About to retire, not by choice but it was forced on me and it's all OK. I am / was an IT professional. I could remember multiple tasks and jobs (I'm talking 10-12 concurrent things) on here I was and who was involved where, but in and around 40-45 years old I had to take on less tasks.

I forget things, but I also find there is much more information on my hard disk (or memory) that IMO things fall out. Coming back to sports, for many years I could name every league champion, MVP, players on multiple teams, etc. in all sports going back to my youth, and prior. Now I have trouble remembering who won what 2, 3, or 5 years ago. I think part of that is the older we get, the more playoffs and seasons we have watched and enjoyed, and at some point it becomes too much.

Up until I was about 20, I could remember each and every summer from my youth and what I was doing that summer. Eventually the summers of my adult life all seemed to run together. Even special trips, I struggle to tell you what year it was. I think it's because there are always more years to remember.

We need to better organize, and we need to consistently have everything in a certain place. Then it becomes habit.

I echo many of the earlier thoughts... take care of yourself and your own things. You cannot be everything to everyone.

Prayers and wishes to all.

Bobby,
I echo this. I am 79 and wife is a bit younger. She was concerned about her memory loss, went to a doctor and checked out better than I did. I firmly believe stress is a major cause of mild memory loss. I have never been one who could remember earlier years, because, I think, nothing happened that was really important. I remember my car accidents but not any Christmases, I remember hiking 15,000 ft mountains but not birthdays. I think of all the advice given, seeing your doctor is the best. You can take steps to help you remember where you put things but until you know for sure one way or another you will be stressed. If it is so, a doctor can give you ways to help. I pray it is not so and stress is the cause but please see your doctor.

[bbcard1]

I don't have that much to add, but wanted to reach out in terms of letting you know I hear your concern and will include you in my prayers. Seeing your doctor is an absolute must. I might also add that for me personally, getting shed of a major source of stress in my life was helpful.

[bobbyw8469]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I enjoyed reading every single one. I had an epiphany yesterday. It struck me out of the blue. I don't know why. I remembered also missing a Walking Dead patch card. 1957 George Kell's kinda blend in. Certain other cards stick out. When I realize the patch card was missing as well, I got to thinking that maybe I took out a whole handful. So I started looking in random boxes laying about my office. Low and behold, one of the boxes just sitting there that I had stuff stored in, had about 40 cards from my junk drawer, including the Bill Bailey!!! Thanks to everyone for sound advice!!

[Brian Van Horn]

Bobby,

I wish you the best. As was mentioned earlier in this thread, see your doctor about the matter and feel free to reach out for support.