No, I do not have Alzheimer’s, but over the last few years I have been really sick and part of that is losing a portion of my short term memory. For a while, I was too weak to make it downstairs to get to my computer and now that I am getting stronger and have more energy, I was hoping that writing would pick right back up. Here’s where the Alzheimer’s comes in. If I sit to write, I can. If I have to stop for any reason (i.e. use the restroom, get a drink, ect.) I forget to come back to it.
I know, how do you forget to come back to something you love?
Beats the ^&*% out of me!
But it happens. Over and over again. I have finally decided, that until it stops happening, it’s okay. This is hard for me, because I have always prided myself on my memory. Since it has left for the time being, I have no choice but to accept its lose. But I’m still writing some and if I get reminders (if I’ve promised an edit to anyone) I’ll do some of that too. At least my brain functions well enough to write and edit. (When I remember to do it.)
What troubles do you have that keep you from what you love? Am I the only one with brain freeze? What do you do to get through the rough times? And if anyone has ideas about how to help stimulate my brain to remembering, I’m all ears!

Sarah is writer looking for an agent. She is currently working on novel # 4, editing novels 2 and 3, and querying novel # 1. For more insight to her work, visit: http://legendoftheprotectors.wordpress.com/ or http://legendoftheprotectors.blogspot.com/
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9 Comments so far
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I wish I had some specific advice for your current health issue Sarah, but I don’t.
Just accept my compassion, and my desire for you to return to normal memory function.
Forgive me for asking, but do you have a spiritual belief? If so, simple expressions (mentally) of thanks for any and every blessing you can think of, despite your problem, is a practice I recommend. Also, specific to the memory problem, supplication for its healing in order to serve God and your fellow man, silhouettes the highest motive for a divine response, whether it be nudging to learn of and gain access to standard (natural) cures, or something more. All the best.
Payton L. Inkletter´s last blog ..RED BOXES: Easy yet moving to read real stories, innocent yet powerful memories of growing up and living in England through 1939-80
[Reply]
Sarah Reply:
June 5th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
@Payton L. Inkletter, Thanks Payton. I do thank God for all the great blessings I have. And I do consider that I’m doing much better a blessing. I’m walking a mile a day now, which considering I couldn’t make it down the hall about six months ago I feel very blessed.
And I’m remembering a little more every day. I try not to get frustrated, but sometimes it’s hard to not be able to do the things that once came easy to you.
Thank you for your well wishes!
[Reply]
By Payton L. Inkletter on 06.05.10 6:26 pm | Permalink
High Sarah.
I know a man who, after his motor cycle accident involving his brain, was left with ‘short-memory loss’ problems. Since he was studying at the time, life was difficult. However, he was careful about constantly writing things down so that thoughts were not lost. He achieved his high grades and is now head lecturer and intends achieving a professorship. I’m absolutely certain that he will.
Of course, being an oldie, memory problems are a nuisance. Unable to remember words is a stumbling block to writing. Forgetting what I was going to write, or what I intended doing, is common too. My desk is littered with notes! My computer monitor is a patchwork of document icons — mostly stories I have started to write, or ideas for stories, plus pictures — (some stored in folders labelled with the month I put them there). Notes are on my dressing table, I sometimes make notes while in the car. (I no longer drive, I hasten to add!) I don’t want to live and work in a clutter but it is how I cope!
I know, at my age, my memory will not improve. But, I will cope. My hubby is five years older and his memory is not so hot either. We sometimes laugh at our combined efforts to find the illusive word. Names are especially difficult. Arms wave in the air and faces contort. Later, when not under the stress of remembering, the name just appears — of course too late.
We keep a diary of events too.
Not the same as your problem but mighty frustrating! (sometimes, frustrating for others too if we start telling the same things over).
So here you have both a young(ish) person’s, and an old couples way of coping with short-term memory loss.
We have found worrying about the problem only makes it worse.
So if I have told you this before — SORRY!
Gladys Hobson´s last blog ..The tragedy in West Cumbria
[Reply]
Sarah Reply:
June 14th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
@Gladys Hobson, THanks Gladys, I’m learning to write things down and my family helps me remember to look at my notes. I feel like it’s slowly coming back, so yay!
Thanks for all the support!
[Reply]
By Gladys Hobson on 06.06.10 5:12 am | Permalink
You can try putting one bold note-to-self in a place you often pass or frequently have to look. Just something like, “WRITING?” should remind you if you were in the middle of writing something.
Good luck! Glad you’re getting better!
[Reply]
By Anica Lewis on 06.06.10 11:26 am | Permalink
Sarah, I had no idea you were so sick. Illness can depress even the most optimistic of us. Keep us posted on how you are doing and I hope you have a speedy recovery.
[Reply]
By KC Klein on 06.07.10 12:06 am | Permalink
hey lady! That sucks!
What about stopping off in the middle of a sentence, and then putting a little note out to the side with what is supposed to happen next? Think it would work??
Jamie Harrington´s last blog ..Loving it!
[Reply]
By Jamie Harrington on 06.07.10 12:09 am | Permalink
Thanks y’all. I am doing better, and I’ve remembered to edit every day but two this last week, so, whoo hoo! And I’ve gotten about 10k more words, so I should be back in the swing of things soon. My poor husband and kids have to remind me of EVERYTHING!
Love them! And y’all!
[Reply]
By Sarah on 06.14.10 2:35 pm | Permalink
Oh Sarah you know my troubles. They just continue to add up as I think I am superwoman and can accomplish everything that is set in front of me. Good luck my friend and I am so glad you are on the mend!
[Reply]
By Brenna on 06.16.10 1:58 pm | Permalink
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