Coping with Memory Loss

Many people with Epilepsy experience memory loss. Epilepsy itself can cause major damage to the brain; top it off with heavy medication and you're bound to be forgetful. I'm writing this blog to show different types of memory loss I have experienced and some great ways to get yourself back on track.

To start off, there are three types of memory.

* Procedural memory -
Activities which are carried out almost without thinking, for example, riding a bike.

* Semantic memory -
Knowledge that has been acquired but we are not sure when, for example, capital cities.

* Episodic memory -
Personal memories of everyday life.

So like I said, first, my semantic memory began to lag. After that, my episodic memory got worse and worse. Feelings of deja vu came frequently, and I couldn't tell if I had been to that place before or not. I couldn't always recall what I had done the past weekend if someone were to ask me.
My procedural memory, as well, started to get very bad. For example, once I was unloading groceries and put a head of lettuce underneath the sink along with a carton of cottage cheese. Literally, about two minutes later I was asked where both items were and I didn't even recall seeing them. Sometimes I would hassle my parents all day long to be taken to the store to shop for something like a new pair of flip-flops or a dress. I would know exactly what I wanted up until the very moment I walked into the store - then, I would immediately forget. I almost hurt my brain sitting there confused, trying to dig out the memory that had vanished in a split second. I would get embarrassed and I would fear getting scolded by my parents so I would pick out something random and buy it. Later on in the day, week, or even month I would randomly remember what I needed to buy.
During homeschool classes I would be asked questions to review the sections that we had covered in our lessons. Names and terms that I had known since I was a child would completely slip my mind. Not forever, but only when I needed to be able to recall these things. My teachers began to think I wasn't studying or that I was just a below average student. This frustrated me very much because I was a straight A student up until 7th grade, when I began getting sick. I would tell my parents but they never saw it as anything serious.
After seizures I would lose my memory for almost a week. I remember one seizure where after I recovered, I looked at my cell phone to see a text message from my boyfriend - only, I didn't recognize his name or who he was. I asked my sister, and she said that it was my boyfriend and I started to cry. It took me a whole day to remember him.
Memory loss is a scary thing, but I have found ways to help ease the frustration.

- Dictionary.com : You are probably wondering what this link is doing here. As you all can tell I love to write, and apart from that I'm a student. Many times when I'm writing I can forget a simple word such as "wonderful," but I can remember the word "great". I could sit there for 30 minutes until I remember "wonderful" or I can type in "great" on Dictionary.com and look at similar words... voila!

- Sticky notes: If you walked into my home and took a look at my bathroom mirrors, walls, and all of my school work you'll see sticky notes everywhere. As soon as I know that I need to do something I grab a sticky note and jot it down as fast as I can before I forget it. I always put the notes in places where I can see them, like the bathroom mirror as I mentioned before. When I wake up in the morning to brush my teeth, my daily to-do list is right in front of me.

- Utilizing calendars, planners, and cell phones: This is a must for an Epileptic, or any person dealing with memory loss. At the beginning of each week I write down everything I know that is going to take place in my planner. It's hard to get used to, but if you stay committed to your planner it will save your life! I've gotten so used to my planner that as soon as someone, such as a teacher, wants to meet I go right to my planner and make a time slot for them. I usually use my Franklin Covey planner, but I have gotten this trendy new Palm Pre Plus cell phone that has a wonderful calendar. Speaking of phones, make sure to save every phone number that you think you might possibly need again in the future. Phone numbers aren't easy for anyone to remember.

- Reminders: It's hard to remember daily tasks, so that makes it even harder to remember really important things like doctor appointments. If you ask your doctor's receptionist or nurse, they can call you on day in advance or even same day to confirm your appointments. My doctor's office actually sends me letters in the mail to remind me as well as phone calls. If your doctor's office doesn't provide these reminders, make sure to always let your family and friends know if you need help remembering something. They are there and I'm sure they would be glad to help you out.

- A Pill Box: I use a weekly, am + pm pill container to separate my pills. Being on many different medications can be tricky, so always use a pill box. Using a pill box allows you to check if you already took your medication, know when you need to take it, know what medications to take, and to help you know when you are out of medication.

- Get a balanced diet: It is important to eat three healthy, hearty meals a day. Food gives your body energy which acts as fuel to power your brain. Foods high in antioxidants and omega-3 are great for your memory. If you are not able to eat good meals during the day, you may want to talk to your doctor about starting a vitamin supplement.

- Free time: Always keep some free time in your schedule. This will leave time for you to check around the house and see if you forgot to complete a task, or just leave you time to relax and reboot your mind.

- Sleep: Number one, most important of them all. Everybody needs sleep. Just as food acts as a fuel to the brain, sleep does the same. Sleep helps your body recharge and gives you more energy. Get a good amount of sleep at night; 8 hours if you can. Try to get a small one hour nap in each day when you feel too tired.

If you have memory problems like me, I suggest you try using some of these tactics and I guarantee it will improve your life. They can't help with all of your memory loss. You might not be able to remember the word "wonderful" but you can be sure that you'll make your 7:00am appointment to the dentist on time!

God bless you all and goodnight!
Mandy Krzywonski