Memory loss and aging, what’s normal and what’s not?

Most literature will describe memory loss as we age as being a normal process of aging. On the other hand, many experience memory loss and we don’t understand it. So what is normal or not about memory loss and aging?

The HelpGuide.org website describes the difference between memory loss and forgetting: “As we grow older, we experience physiological changes that can cause glitches in brain functions we’ve always taken for granted. It takes longer to learn and recall information. We’re not as quick as we used to be. In fact, we often mistake this slowing of our mental processes for true memory loss. But in most cases, if we give ourselves time, the information will come to mind.”

 

Pain and disability

I learned that it was difficult for medical professionals to measure pain. They can’t see the pain that I feel, particularly the nerve generated pain.

When you apply for Social Security Disability, their evaluation of pain may not be what you think.

Simone Biles is in good company or should I say we are in good company.

There are hundreds of famous people who have hidden disabilities. Simone Biles, multiple gold medal winning gymnastics Olympian extraordinaire, proudly confirmed her ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) hidden disability. You learn to live with these hidden challenges as you embrace who you are.

Sudden Life Change… how do I deal with it?!

Hardly anyone is prepared for a sudden life change, especially one that is disabling. It does, however, happen and there are resources to help you through.

 

Power to make the changes

Sometimes we don’t believe we personally have the power to make the changes we desire. We want someone to come along and save us.

 

Hidden disabling ailments

“I had to save my energy because I was steering toward exhaustion and despair without it.”  Scooter

“I was dealing with too many illnesses; type 2 diabetes, hypertension, memory loss, depression, anxiety, PTSD, amnesia, chronic pain, and a host of confusion. These ailments are hidden, disabling, and potentially life threatening.”

Scooter
“Missing Frames, memoir of a woman living with hidden disabilities”

Word retrieval strategies

The BrainSpade  website has quite a few brain teasers and games.

Memory is the process by which our brain’s encode, store and retrieve information. When we sense things in our environment, our brain holds that information for just a few seconds before moving information into short-term memory. Some information moves from short-term memory into long-term storage. Memory skills can be improved during our adult years with brain exercises and daily challenges.

Memory loss and word finding

“I occasionally stopped, repeated myself, and also had difficulty finding words and completing sentences. When I had problems with “word finding” it sometimes caused me to stop speaking.

I try to find words for what I see in my head, and the words are not clearly there because everything is all mixed up, and I do not understand it. I know that I know what I think I know, but it has moved to somewhere else in my brain, and maybe I will find it sooner than later.”

Scooter

“Missing Frames, Memoir of a woman living with hidden disabilities”