Suffer From Long Term Memory Loss? I Can’t Remember

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On a driving lesson the other day we passed a building with a sign that read ‘The Alzheimers Society’ and, somewhat absent mindedly – if you’ll pardon the expression – I said to my student “How do they remember where it is?”.

Memories2

My student burst out laughing and said “Norman! You are awful!”

I didn’t actually mean to be. My mind started on half a thought, my mouth decided it knew what the thought was and something totally different to what I had intended to say sort of ‘popped out’.

I went to see my GP (which simply means Doctor) some time ago. Rather worryingly I can’t remember why. I mean he is a nice chap and all that but I don’t really pay him social calls so there must have been a reason and, most likely, a medical one. He probably prescribed me some medication for what ever it was I went to see him about – well, shortly after expressing his surprise that I was still alive he probably prescribed me something or other.

The thing is I don’t remember what he prescribed me nor whether I ever took what ever it was he prescribed me. I have checked to make sure nothing has dropped off due to me not taking what ever it was for what ever I had ailing me but it’s hopeless really. I seem to have reached the age were I’d forget my own name if people didn’t say it to me often enough.

Now, what was I actually saying? See? Now I have to read it all from the start to remember! Perhaps I should go and see my doctor but, assuming I remember that I thought that and actually make an appointment I’d probably forget why I wanted to see him, get prescribed something or other that I’d either forget to take or accidentally give to the cats or something.

I do remember the last time I saw him I think I mentioned I was getting a bit absent minded.

“It’s just your time of life” he said

“Ten past two” I replied

“I didn’t ask you the time Norman I said it’s your time of life”

So you see. I remember daft details like that but have no idea why I went to see him other than to tell him what time it was when he didn’t actually ask me the time.

Now I know my general state of health is fine – mainly because I’m alive which is always a plus regarding your general state of health – but I think my mind has got a bit clogged up over the years.

I know that the late British actor David Niven was born in London and not Kirriemuir in Scotland as he claimed.

I know that David Caruso appeared in Hill Street Blues occasionally as a Shamrocks street gang member and was then in NYPD Blue with Dennis Franz who also appeared in Hill Street Blues as Detective Benedetto before reappearing on the Hill as Lt. Norman Buntz.

I can actually reel off the entire class register from my school days without a pause. All 32 boys in my class. How? Why? I have no idea. I never consciously decided to remember them all yet I can.

I think that’s my problem. My mind is so clogged up with obscure facts and memories that lots of things keep falling out as there isn’t enough room in there. This information would surprise many who actually think there’s enough room in my mind for a football field.

I actually read up on Alzheimers because I was starting to wonder – well I was when I remembered to – and was relieved to note that I am showing none of the symptoms. At least as far as I can remember I’m not.

Apparently, in a nut shell, Alzheimers sufferers often retain long term memories but struggle with the short term. They remember a pal from their teenage years who shows up but have no idea who their son or daughter or husband or wife is.

Bloody awful way to ‘lose it’ don’t you think?

Now why should I write about this? I’d tell you if I could remember – no – sorry – be serious Norman!

A letter dropped through my door today from ‘The Alzheimers Society’ asking for donations. On principle I only ever donate to animal or children’s charities. I’m breaking my principle.

My best pal from school’s mum has Alzheimers. She was like a second mum to me. Makes it a bit personal does that.

Keep remembering out there eh?

About Post Author

Neil Bamforth

I am English first, British second and never ever European. I have supported Oldham Athletic FC for 50 years which has made me immune from depression. My taste buds have died due to too many red hot curries so I drink Kronenburg beer and milk - sometimes in the same glass. I have a wife, daughter, 9 cats and I like toast.
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9 years ago

I think it is fantastic how they come up with new Alzheimer medication every day…. and I get it first!

Stacey Gray
9 years ago

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Stacey Gray
9 years ago

Mom used to say her computer was an older model & it took a little longer for the information to come up.

I don’t have Alzheimer’s, or as they call it here “Old-timer’s”. I have CRS – can’t remember sh*t. I’m hoping it doesn’t develop into full blown CRAFT !

Pennyjane Hanson
9 years ago

i have not lost my memory it is simply misplaced. if memory serves me, misplaced things usually turn up….hmmmm…i now wonder if that’s a good thing, i can’t remember…perhaps not. maybe it’s better to let a misplaced dog lie.

Reply to  Pennyjane Hanson
9 years ago

You’ve lost a dog? Oh dear. I have a dog. Well I don’t actually ‘have’ a dog. My dog isn’t mine she’s my neighbours. I don’t think she’s yours but did you lose yours in Glasgow? That’s were the dog that is sort of mine came from….well I think that’s what I was told….

Misplaced memory? I like that! Misplaced mine around 89 if I remember rightly – but of course I can’t remember rightly cause I misplaced it… 😉

9 years ago

And you are? Am I supposed to know you?

Reply to  James Smith
9 years ago

Don’t be silly James I am me! And me is….well…me….er…let me find my drivers licence and I’ll get back to you….

Reply to  Norman Rampart
9 years ago

I am confident that I have never forgotten anything. Like the internet, once there, always there.

Recall, however seems to be a problem. That’s why somehtng may pop into your consciousness several days after you need it. Organization, that’s the key. Like my computer. All pictures are in a file called “Graphics”. There are many sub folders with names like “Fam Pics” and others labeled “Brazil”.

The problem is when I can’t remember which folder I decided a particular pic belongs in. That only happens about twice a day, though. 🙂

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