Wait! Who are you again?
More and more, I have what I refer to as “rolling blackouts”, my memory is SHOT!! Seriously, sometimes I forget the easiest words! At times, it takes me three times to get my kids names right…. and that’s with having only THREE kids!!! I continually call my Granddaughter Alice, by her Mother’s name. Someday’s it takes me three tries to get the DOGS name right!! There is probably something behind the fact I shout ZACHARY! (the only boy in the family) first, when someone is in trouble.
It’s gotten so bad that DH and I have a running joke, when we forget things, we look at each other, squint and say “Wait! Who are you again!?”
Sure I laugh it off, the kids laugh, the Grandkids think we’re all nuts! BUT, in truth I am a little paranoid! Is this the start of dementia? Alzheimer’s? I’ve never understood if there is a difference between the two. Then, the BIG question for me, do you know you have either of these conditions? Or are you blissfully aware? Does it happen BAMB memory gone? Or is it gradual???
I recently learned that my first close family member has been diagnosed and is now in need of dementia care which she is getting at Chatsworth in Palm Beach Gardens. This is the Aunt that I look more like than my own MOM, which is probably the reason all of this has been on my mind so much lately.
I love the Internet. Answers are available in seconds! First stop, WebMD. Dementia is actually, a GROUP of symptoms, mood changes, forgetting how to do real tasks like balancing a checkbook. Forgetting to keep up with personal hygiene, like bathing. Forgetting people, places or words. Alzheimer’s on the other hand is a disease. Abnormal protein deposits form plaque and tangles in the brain of someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Connections between cells are lost and they begin to die.
Of course I had to look and see if there are ways to keep this from happening. A few things that have been found to help ward off help ward off dementia, EXERCISE! (I know, I groaned too) Play games, board games, puzzles, Sudoku, don’t smoke, lose weight, add more fruits and veggies to your diet. Learn something new. Learn a language? Learn a musical instrument. My favorite: Some researchers have linked the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D, to minimizing Alzheimer’s risk. Scientists at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, found that vitamin D may be responsible for activating cellular signalling that clears the brain of plaque build-up, thus warding off Alzheimer’s. So get outside and get some sun. Get social, staying social keeps your mind active and stimulated!!
Now, I think I’ll go and hug my Grandbabies tight and kiss all over their little faces, then yell at the dog…. as soon as I remember her name!! And, if you have a family member suffering with either, my heart goes out to you.
27 Comments
RICHARD HICKS
Dementia is terrible. My Grandmother is in assisted living now becvause of it. They take good care of her and it is best for her own safety.
Jill Myrick
Fortunately for me both of my parents at ages 72 & 74 are both in great health physically and mentally. But should something arise I will happily take over and move them in with me. I can’t imagine them being taken care of by anyone other than myself.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
barbara corbitt
my mom had alzheimers and it was so heartbreaking when she was scared of her own family, because she did not know us at times and she thought we broke in her house to rob and kill her. it goes without saying that we removed all guns, knives, hammers etc. out of the house. before she passed away someone had to stay with her all the time. it breaks my heart to think about anyone else going through the same thing.
Shari D.
I just call it “mom brain”. We moms have so much to do it’s no wonder we get forgetful at times. Even so, I like to do those variety puzzle books to keep my mind sharp!
Donna Yost
My mother in law takes care of women with dementia, and stays with them during the palliative care stage of it. So sad, they loose everything they knew. But their kids have to focus on the good memories.
Brandy Bollman
Dementia and Alzheimer’s runs in my family and in my husbands family. It is a scary and sad thing when family members don’t know who you are. It’s heartbreaking.
Traci
These pillows sound Heavenly. I would live to win one.
Alexis Davis
Been there, done that. I think mine is generally stress related. I’m looking forward to sleeping and knowing a good night’s sleep in a few years when my kids are older and (please, God!) actually sleep themselves.
hedgehogi
I will take the Vitamin D vitamin that is easy! I do most of the things in your post so I hope I am home free! BUT I think everyone loses part of their mind when they have even one child. LOL Women do because we deal with them more often.
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Shannon
I didn’t know about the Vitamin D. I will have to get some to take for my husband and I. Sun? Aww do I have to? I hate going outside. LOL.
shawna saunders
You just have selective amnesia!! Everyone I know rolls through all of their kids names, y mom has been doing it for years. Be happy you can remember you have kids!! 🙂
Darla Peduzzi
I can really relate to your post. My grandmothers and I used to laugh because they would call me their daughter’s name. I now do the same with my daughter and my little cousins. It’s funny because now that my 22 year old daughter is a mom, I see her doing some of the same things I did and my mom and grandmothers. I think it’s something that happens when you become a mom? Don’t fret. I’m sure everything’s ok!
April Farley
I want to add what I tell my family when I am stuttering and sputting and roll calling down the list until I get the correct name. I say hey! I know I know ya ! I know I love ya and that my dear is what counts! Pffftttt ….
April Farley
Oh honey you are not alone! We have 4 children , 10 grand children a dog ,cat and a bird. I have been calling each of them out of their names since my 30’s . It is all good.
I worked , for most of my life, in the medical field, I will tell you that dementia is SCARY! For the patient and the families. It is a robber , a pure out and out thief!
I am so sorry to read your Aunt is suffering. I send you my positive vibes and prayers. For her and your whole family.
My Grandmother, who raised me, suffered mini strokes which robbed her of her memory. Bless her heart she was stuck way back when she was a teen and early 20’s , in her mind. She thought my husband was HER man and would flip out when he kissed me! Ohhh it was a hot mess. I dealt with it though. I felt it the least I could do for her as she took me in as a kid and cared for me . When NO ONE else wanted me. Some of the antics were comical some very heart breaking. It is a roller coaster ride that I wish could get shut down permanently ! Deficiencies of the brain are just so hard to treat! So there is not much hope in sight for these type of diseases. I know this is what will be my lot in the end. I just hope that I get stuck inside my mind back in the good years. So I am happy all the time.
Kelly
Rolling blackouts is funny. I have them too! Although a serious topic, I guess the best we can do is try to reduce the risk. I already take Vitamin D so that is a start. I try to play Brain Games, but I don’t think I have ever been good at those type of games.
Megan C
LOL I go through this as well and I’m not even 25 yet. It drives me nuts when it happens.
Brandi Dawn
Hahaha! I JUST had a conversation about this with my daughter. And she is an only child! I called her by one of the cats names and got myself off the hook by telling her it was way worse with my Mom who had four kids. lol
Natalie
Whenever I yell at one of the animals or one of my nephews, I tend to go through quite a few names before getting it right, and I’m only 24. I’ve always been like that though, so it doesn’t worry me. I figure it’s just stress, or me being bad with names.
Cathy French
My grandma always called me Shirley which is my moms name and would call my mom one of her daughters’ names instead of hers. She did this quite often which actually upset my father thinking she was doing it on purpose for some reason. I don’t think she was ever diagnosed with either dementia or alzheimers but I always thought one of these diagnosis’ would explain why she did that so often.
Lesley F
It’s hard when you know somebody that has the onset of dementia. I like all the suggestions that you gave!
Sonya Sparks
Connie, you sound like me! We are two peas in a pod 🙂
Diane K. Brimmer
Oh my dearest Connie, it’s stress overload! You have a lot on your plate right now and I think it is only OPD. (Old people Disorder) LOL I have talked to so many differs people about this very thing. My father went to go see Neurologist 10 years after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.He did about 6 hours of intense testing and found out he had been misdiagnosed, the dr. said that most people develop dementia over time, some worse than other. My dad was perfectly fine. When you are really concerned talk with your family dr. and get a referral to a neurologist if he or she thinks it might not be a bad idea. There are meds. that can help to slow the progression. Also check into Coconut Oil. There are people who stand by it and state that their mate has showed significant results after taking this everyday. Just remember we will always be friend till we forget and then we will be new friends! LOL
Connie Gruning
Diane, Thank you so much!! YOU are always there for me. I truly depend on you. THANK YOU!!
Shannon
My in-laws already have terrible memories and they aren’t even that old yet. My grandma has dementia but refuses to get help for it.
Corina Ramos
I love doing crossword puzzles and playing games like Scrabble. I don’t think Dementia or Alzheimer’s runs in our family but my mom has been showing signs of forgetfulness too.
I’m going to look into this more. Thank you for putting this post together. Have a great day!
Connie Gruning
Corina, I forgot to look and see if it’s hereditary! I guess I should do a little more research!
nancy chipriano
Thanks for this sobering post. My dad has signs of severe memory loss and has been seeing doctors. I will mention to him (and my mom) the Vitamin D and the other suggestions you have given here. Thanks again.