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Memory loss?

Tue, 01/25/2005 - 14:56
Topic: Living With Epilepsy - Adults
Hello,
 
After skimming a few topics & their replies, am I correct in assuming others w/ epilepsy suffer from short or long-term memory loss?
 
Please forgive me if this is a question that's been asked repeatedly or is deemed 'stupid' =P  I have never talked to anyone that has had epilepsy before, & only found this community this evening =)
 
I think it goes w/out saying that I ask this question because I suffer from this.  I know my memory wasn't always this bad...but it has clearly gotten worse over the past several years.  Long-term memories, I need more reminders about an event or conversation; short-term, same thing...if I remember @ all.  I'll forget what I'm talking about while I'm doing the talking...altho 1 doctor deemed this as disassociative seizures, when I had previously placed it as a lack of interest (i.e. work conversation, hah).
 
Thanks,
 
Ache
 
**Edit - Answered my own question after peeking around a bit more.  I suppose there is some reassurance in knowing what my once infallible memory is being marred by...

Comments

RE: Memory loss?

Submitted by gsness on Fri, 2005-01-21 - 13:55
Hi Ache!Glad to see the other comments here answered your question! This is a great site, isn't it?Anyway, obviously you're not alone with this and others have the same problem... whatever that problem was... it seems to have slipped my mind....Anyway,Bright blessings and good to hear from you! Welcome aboard!gsness

RE: Memory loss?

Submitted by ConsiderThis on Sat, 2005-01-22 - 09:50

Hi Ache,

Because I'm not sure what answers you found, I'm going to mention that vitamin B12 which is a nerve health vitamin, helps a lot with memory. There are many studies that show it is deficient in people with Alzheimer's and with other dementia conditions.

One thing that's important to know, though, is that if you replace the B12 you are missing, it doesn't restore your ability to use your memory. I mean that after I was low on B12 for several years, and then I finally got replacement therapy, my memory improved, but it improved a LOT more once I began doing exercises... and they can be as easy as playing memory related games.

Vitamin B12 - sublingual methylcobalamin lozenges - have also helped me by providing a great reduction in pain. (Though I use the cyanocobalamin shots.) The methylcobalamin has been shown to be effective, and it's way easier to pop a lozenge under your tongue, than to give yourself a shot.  : )

www.health-boundaries-bite.com/Fingernails.html
     Your fingernails reflect your health --
     Learn what warning signs to look for --
                                Karen Kline

Hi Ache,

Because I'm not sure what answers you found, I'm going to mention that vitamin B12 which is a nerve health vitamin, helps a lot with memory. There are many studies that show it is deficient in people with Alzheimer's and with other dementia conditions.

One thing that's important to know, though, is that if you replace the B12 you are missing, it doesn't restore your ability to use your memory. I mean that after I was low on B12 for several years, and then I finally got replacement therapy, my memory improved, but it improved a LOT more once I began doing exercises... and they can be as easy as playing memory related games.

Vitamin B12 - sublingual methylcobalamin lozenges - have also helped me by providing a great reduction in pain. (Though I use the cyanocobalamin shots.) The methylcobalamin has been shown to be effective, and it's way easier to pop a lozenge under your tongue, than to give yourself a shot.  : )

www.health-boundaries-bite.com/Fingernails.html
     Your fingernails reflect your health --
     Learn what warning signs to look for --
                                Karen Kline

RE: Memory loss?

Submitted by Christine on Sat, 2005-01-22 - 15:25
Perhaps you have experienced "memory loss" in the same way that I understand it (with a diagnosis of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy or "TLE.") The "Hippocampus" in our brain is responsible for sorting and storing memories. With epilepsy however, the file folder is created but a lot of times there is nothing in it. To be more precise, you will remember going to an event but will not be able to remember anything that happened while you were there!A lot of the time, if someone else tells of things that happened it will trigger the memory and you will be able to recall more. May I suggest, that you start keeping a journal. It will help you as a reference source, and it will also help you to keep track of auras/seizures and any patterns that may become evident. Especially if you are a woman, you should be aware of seizure activity/mood changes surrounding your menstrual cycle (called "Catamenial Seizure Activity." May I also suggest that you sign up for daily updates on this site on your computer, you can learn a lot from others who suffer with the various nuances of Epilepsy. Finally, If you have any questions write! This site helps to inform us all!!

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