What does having a short memory loop feel like?

dancsfo

I wonder what a PWD with a short memory loop, unable to create new short-term memory, feels like?

For example, when I wake up from sleeping, I may remember some dreams, or maybe having gone to sleep. Maybe a better example is awakening from anesthesia.

In either case, you remember very little until you go about the process of waking up, and forming new memories, go about your day, thinking of stuff that needs to be done.

Of course, this may depend on the dementia stage.

When I forget something, I may be aware that I'm trying to recall something, and have to try hard. But at least I'm aware of what I'm doing.

A PWD with anosognosia seems to not be aware of any item that is attempted to be recalled.

So I wonder if a PWD goes through the whole day, like she just awakened from anesthesia?

There may be bits of actions related to habit, like "time to brush my teeth". But at other times, when I ask something that I thought the PWD may recall, I may get a blank clueless look.

At other times, the PWD will try to recall, and sometimes may remember bits of it, and looks embarrassed for not remembering most of it.

I'm asking since I don't want to prompt or ask about something where there's no reference to it. I'm certain it does depend on the stage or the item in memory, but if the very act of asking about something can lead to anger or trigger something bad, I'd like to avoid it if I can.

David1946

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/71158/what-does-having-a-short-memory-loop-feel-like

I know what you mean i have the same feelings and it can be scary

Dixie456

DANCSOF- What and insightful question and answer on possible thought processes. I'm 57 and my DH age 62 has EO. I don't ever quiz him about how much he remembers. I don't want to embarrass him….. but I do wonder how much he's really understanding of a conversation, a situation, a menu at a restaurant. I know he doesn't remember where we went yesterday or what he had for breakfast…. but how does that feel??? I'm sure it's scary. We recently went to a new restaurant for the 2nd time and I told him we'd been once before….. he kept asking "where did we sit when we where here?" He asked "which door did we come in?" "where did we park before?". I'm sure it's scary to have someone tell you that you've been there before…. but have no recollection of ever being there. Like blackout drunk (LOL!), except you don't have a hangover to explain why you can't remember……. And ALL the other things just like that they are feeling.

David1946

Hi, this is my room

r_geloni

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/71158/what-does-having-a-short-memory-loop-feel-like

When friends or family ask what I did today, my mind is blank. I have a white board with a list of things to do that i check off. So I answer with things checked off on that list…fed the dog, brushed my teeth, took my meds, etc. Life feels like more living in the moment now. Like Time is less real. Menus can be overwhelming. I would prefer someone ask me “do you feel like fish today or pasta” and help narrow down the choices. Instead of asking time related questions, ask if there is any craft or movie they are currently interested in. We like remembering which is why we would quiz about where we sat at the restaurant last time. Sometimes I go to a restaurant again and it feels like it’s different so I will ask if there’s been any recent remodeling. I forget the layout of grocery stores and need someone to help me with where to start and what to look for next.