Memory

[Grapes12]

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone had memory problems as a result of there Ataxia?

My short term memory is really bad and has sadly got worse. I had tests two years ago that showed a decline since graduating with a BSc Hons. I wasn’t where I should be.

Recently I’ve lost the ability to spell and have started to forget daily tasks etc. They have retested and there has been a big change and they now need to do further testing 😭

If anyone else is going through the same it would be great to get some advice. Thanks in advance 😊

[Hidden]

I have short term memory loss. I was tested a few years back which showed this but the decline since then has been rather slow.

[Grapes12 in reply to Hidden]

I am pleased your decline seems slow; hope it stays that way.

[glenandgerry]

Hi, you could read Dr Dale Bredesen's book 'The End of Alzheimer's' He basically says there are 3 types of Alzheimer's - one in particular responds very well to a change in diet.......basically no sugar or gluten and lots of fresh veg, but you should read the book

[Grapes12 in reply to glenandgerry]

Thank you.

[Jessie70]

I was aware that memory issues were symptoms. I used to be a sign language interpreter but my disease progressed. I’m annoyed by the loss of word retrieval. Annoying everyday occurrence. Same with signing. I literally forget the sign or word in a conversation. I’m the one explaining what I mean until someone says it or it’s dropped and I wake up in the middle of the night and yell whatever it was that I forgot. I now laugh about it because I don’t see this as something I can improve. I’m not sure how this helps. I guess don’t forget to laugh. 😜

[Grapes12 in reply to Jessie70]

Not forgetting to laugh is a good one! I’ve got similar problems it’s frustrating but I’m not sure there is anything we can do. I will let you know if they suggest anything to me.

[chelpet]

I can totally relate to this. (Age might be a factor too,as I’m 69).

I have an online calendar, and post ALL daily tasks to it, as otherwise I’d forget some.

A while ago I saw an Occupational Therapist at the NHND who told me that those people who have Ataxia need to factor in regular short sessions of rest into their days. So much energy is expended on counteracting the Ataxia effects on our speech and/or balance, that we feel very fatigued, so need to constantly replenish our energy levels.

It seems that we Ataxians need to plan a very complex blend of therapy, rest, diet and emotional support, in order to successfully combat this neurological condition.

I’d appreciate any comments.

Peter

[Grapes12 in reply to chelpet]

Thanks Peter. I’m only 26. I write lists daily and that helps. Mine is more like forgetting how to spell words or not remembering a word when I am having a conversation. I’m also with names too and not great having conversations as I forget what has been said 🙈. Hopefully the further tests might give me a plan going forward 🤞

Yes I agree with you we need a lot of rest to try and help with the fatigue and everything else on top.

[ww-wibblywobbly]

Hi,

My memory is far from what it used to be!

I had dementia tests a few years ago and was told by the Dr that I haven't got dementia but because we have to concentrate so much to do what others just do naturally that my brain can't take it all in! Brain tiredness I guess.

I realised how bad the problem is when every time we visited a friend I commented on a pretty water feature that was new in his garden. Eventually he told me that the feature had been there for years and that I thought it was new every time and had commented on how lovely his new feature was several times!!! Now I remember it LOL

But in a good sense the world is full of new discoveries for us 😆

Anything I need to do, however small, I write on a list. I've done that for years. Even things like ring my daughter!!! But otherwise I won't remember.

Maybe we should all play pairs and other games to stimulate our memory.

Actually I drive my family mad with my memory, but heyho.

And when people say did I tell you about . .

- I say tell me again, it'll be new to me LOL

Take care

Love Alison xx

[Grapes12 in reply to ww-wibblywobbly]

Thank you xx

[wobblybee]

🙂 Years ago I took part in some DNA testing, and recently they sent me an IQ test re a survey. It was for 4+.

At first it wasn’t difficult and I quite enjoyed it but..speed and memory started to let me down, And specific questions (I can’t even attempt to say what they are called) which involved (putting symbols into a logical sequence, left me guessing 😂

But, just yesterday I was talking to my daughter, and I recalled a kitchen incident which had left us both in hysterical laughter..and she couldn’t remember..😂

[Grapes12 in reply to wobblybee]

Thanks for you reply. My long term memory still seems to be there which is great and so I can recall things from a long time ago just not from yesterday or the day before. Its always good to laugh.

[Piero]

Yes. I have short term memory problems now, whereas I didn't experience them before I developed ataxia. This of course doesn't mean that there's a necessary cause - effect relationship between memory problems and the condition but the replies you've received so far seem to suggest that there is. Now .... what was I saying ............?

[Grapes12 in reply to Piero]

Yes I have no idea what the link is. I have under gone further testing and get the results in 2 weeks so we will see what they say.