November 3, 2011

• FORGET SOMETHING?

   

  We all reach a point in our lives when our brain cells run out of warranty. We begin with minor issues like where did I put the car keys and advances on to later wondering where I put the damn car and once you’ve found it, then trying to figure out where you were going! It is all a part of life and all of us will have to deal with it at some point. My memory has now devolved to the “bunny slope” of my brain. Sometimes I walk into the kitchen to do something and can’t remember what it was, so I just get a beer and sit back down and watch TV. Seems I drink a lot of beer now while things burn up on the stove. First thing we all worry about is that it may be Alzheimer’s. The similarities are scary in that Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior….all the traits of getting older! So, how can you tell when your memory is starting to go to shit? Well, often a clear conscience is usually a sign of a bad memory, or half the time you’re on the computer you’re using ‘spell-check’. Another shock is to be told that NBC cancelled Bonanza! Reminders become important. ‘Post Notes’ because part of your everyday life along with forgotten shopping list crammed in the bottom of your pockets or purse. Family birthdays and anniversaries are easy to remember as the family starts reminding you a month ahead of time so to have ample gift buying time. When the water stops coming out of the shower head it’s a reminder to pay the water bill. I do get frustrated now-a-days about my memory when it comes to mostly remembering names. Actors, writers, estranged in-laws, grandkids and the cute cashier at Walgreens. I’ve tried all kinds of memory exercises such as ‘object association’ where you associate a persons name with some characteristic of that person. An example would be if you met someone named Fred. You noticed that his wife is ’zombie ugly’ and could pass as the walking dead….so, you associate the name Fred with his wife’s dead pallor and there you have it! Fred…dead. Just my luck I would call the Walgreen’s cashier ‘all-ass’ instead of Alice. The true aggravation of memory loss is that, inside every older person, a younger person is wondering what the crap happened? The simplest way to deal with it is to not let it get to you. Accept it. I know it’s easier for me to call ‘what’s her name’ just Wifey and honey than to dwell over the dilemma. One more solution I have found is that my life is a lot better having all my bills automatically paid each month on line through my bank. Just wish I could remember the password.

  • 3:18 am
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